Sir Richard Branson was backed by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates in his pledge to make a millionaire for every day of the year if he wins the licence to run the National Lottery.

The promise came in an interview on BBC1's Breakfast with Frost with Sir Richard and Mr Gates, who has emerged as a new partner in his People's Lottery bid.

The Virgin entrepreneur, who lives in Kidlington, said that by drawing more people into playing the lottery and making it a non-profit-making business, there could be more cash for good causes and more millionaire winners.

While creating more individual millionaires, he said his lottery scheme would still allow giant payouts. He said: "We've constructed it so you would still get these super big rollouts, but we are also going to be able to pledge a millionaire a day for every day of the year."

Microsoft has been signed up as technology partner for Sir Richard's lottery bid. Mr Gates said technology could play a key role in broadening the appeal of the National Lottery, particularly with greater use of the Internet.

"You need to ask is there not an approach which can cost a lot less money and can be a richer experience for the people who want to use it." he said.

Camelot's licence to run the Lottery expires next year. A winner is expected to be chosen by the end of June.

Story date: Monday 07 February

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