One Hackney resident could unknowingly be sitting on a cool �1million fortune because they are unaware they own a winning lottery ticket that needs to be cashed in.

But time is running out before the deadline to claim the prize passes, and the National Lottery is urgently hunting for the secret millionaire, who bought the EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle ticket somewhere in the borough, ready for the draw on Tuesday, January 17.

As Valentine’s Day approaches organisers have asked for the Hackney Gazette’s help, and are running a ‘lonely hearts’ advert in the paper desperately seeking the owner in order to unite him or her with the massive prize.

The advert, on page 22, calls for a “long lost love” to come forward for a “life changing experience” and a “match made in heaven”.

A national lottery spokesman said: “It’s one of the more unusual steps we have taken to unite the owner of an unclaimed ticket with their win, but we hope it will have the desired effect.

“Many people meet their life partners this way, so why not their life fortune!”

The winner could spoil their valentine by blowing the �1m on 545,000 red roses or splashing out on a 24k-gold-sprayed Rolls Royce Ghost, he added.

He urged Hackney players to check and double-check their unique tickets for the winning selection of NBJ899770 and to hunt for any lost tickets.

“Try checking in the pockets of clothing, in wallets, bags and down the back of the sofa,” added. “We have the champagne on ice and our fingers crossed that the winner comes forward to claim their win.”

The lucky ticket-holder has until 3pm on Sunday, July 15, to claim their prize – otherwise the cash, plus all the interest, will go to the organisation’s community grant fund, National Lottery Good Causes.

Anyone who believes they have the winning ticket should call the National Lottery Line on 0845 910 0000.