Allwyn, the operator behind the National Lottery's Lotto game, has confirmed that two players have come forward to claim £1 million jackpots after matching five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball, but a third mystery winner has only until 9 September to claim a separate seven-figure prize before it is forfeited. The find matters because it highlights both the scale of recent Lotto payouts and the risk that unclaimed prizes can go unclaimed if ticket-holders fail to check their numbers.

The two confirmed winners bought their tickets in Wakefield, for the 5 August draw, and in Aberdeenshire, for the 8 August draw. The unclaimed prize relates to a winning EuroMillions ticket bought in Hartlepool for the 13 March draw, giving that player just under a fortnight to come forward. Allwyn's Lynn Devlin said the pair join a run of recent big wins, including a £4.3 million Lotto jackpot claimed on 19 August, with August alone producing 20 millionaires and 120 so far this year.