Someone in Sussex is thousands of pounds richer without knowing it.

National Lottery operator Camelot has launched a hunt for the missing winner of £63,391, who could be celebrating his or her New Year in style.

The mystery ticket was bought in the Brighton and Hove area and matched five numbers and the bonus ball in the lotto draw held on Wednesday, December 1.

The winning numbers were 7, 18, 27, 31, 36, 49 and the bonus ball 43.

The ticket holder has until 5.30pm on May 30 to claim the prize, otherwise the money, plus the interest it has generated, will go to good causes.

Camelot spokesman Fabian Devlin urged lottery players in the Brighton and Hove area to check and double-check their old tickets very carefully.

He said: "At this time of year, with so many receipts and lists, it would be easy to put the ticket down and then forget about it.

"I would urge everyone to have a thorough check, to search through wallets, bags and pockets, anywhere that a lotto ticket could be hiding. Although the ticket was bought in the Brighton and Hove area the winner could be from anywhere in Britain as there are a lot of visitors for the shopping and the nightlife.

"We really hope the winner comes forward. Imagine the shopping spree you could enjoy at the January sales with this amount of money!"

Sussex has a long history of lottery luck. The UK's biggest winners, Mark Gardiner and business partner Paul Maddison, from Hastings, scooped £22.6 million in June 1995.

Other winners include Michael Morley, from West Sussex, who won £5.5 million in November 1996, John Myles, from Uckfield, who picked up £3.75 million in November 1997, and Mick Maplesden, from Hastings, who won just over £4 million in December 1997.

Samantha Lange, from Seaford, won £1.5 million in May 1999 and Hazel Grange, from Pulborough, won £4.7 million in August 2003.

As with all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim a win.

Anyone who thinks they may have the winning ticket for the draw on December 1 should call the National Lottery Line on 0845 910 0000.