It would be the third largest unclaimed prize

The �2.6m ticket was bought in south-east Northumberland for the Lotto Extra draw on 10 May.

But when Thursday's 11pm deadline passed the money automatically became a gift to various good causes.

Camelot spokeswoman Jacquie Wilson said: "We tried everything we could to find the owner of this lucky ticket.

"Unfortunately no one came forward by the expiry deadline and I am sorry to say whoever they were, they have now missed the deadline to claim the prize.

"The good news is that the nation will benefit as the �2.6m and the �35,000 interest raised on the money during the 180 day deadline goes to the Good Causes." For the record the winning numbers were 2, 7, 17, 25, 38 and 44.

In February this year a �2,928,214 Lotto jackpot ticket also bought in the Northumberland area remained unclaimed, making it the second largest unclaimed prize.

Camelot allows 180 days for jackpots to be claimed before the cash, plus interest, is handed over to good causes.