Struggling Spanish in lottery rush

Spaniards are rushing out to join long queues for tickets for the cash-strapped country’s famed Christmas lottery.

Many players say they are hoping to win so they can pay off debt or help relatives facing heavy economic burdens.

Known as El Gordo (The Fat One) and billed as the world’s richest lottery, the draw will hand out about €2.5bn on Saturday.

The top prize is about €400,000 but there are expected to be hundreds or thousands of tickets awarded for that amount.

Many Spaniards chip in together to buy tickets for the lottery, making it common for multiple prize winnings in one town or city neighbourhood.

Last year, the north-eastern town of Granen won all 1,800 tickets worth €400,000 each.