WITH Test Valley Borough Council's new text messaging service you have the chance to win one of several prizes over the next few months.

Over 550 local residents will be the first to receive the latest news on leisure activities in the borough through the free text messaging service. The first person to respond to a text message to be sent out in June will be entered into a prize draw.

Exodus holiday vouchers worth £1000, tickets to the gala evening launch of the Open Arts initiative and a free place on selected summer holiday courses for children are up for grabs.

The scheme is called TXT.IT, which was introduced earlier this year and is being piloted by the council's leisure service.

Users can register for the text messaging service by texting 07736 010101 and key in all or one of the four codes- Events, Arts, Sport or Council News with their mobile phone number. Alternatively visit wwwtestvalle-y.gov.uk or collect a TXT.IT postcard from outlets.