AN absent-minded Lotto winner has missed out on a £100,000 fortune after failing to claim their money.

The ticket holder, who matched five numbers and the bonus ball, bought what could have been their passport to riches in the New Forest last year.

They would have scooped £96,404 if they had claimed their prize within the 180-day deadline.

A National Lottery spokesman said: “The ticket-holder did not come forward in time to claim their prize and has missed out on a substantial amount of money.

“To avoid this situation happening again, I would urge all National Lottery players to check their tickets on a regular basis. We tried very hard to find the person concerned and it’s a real shame that they have missed.”

The spokesman said the money would benefit good causes supported by the lottery.