Fred and Lesley Higgins had their ticket for the 10 July draw checked at their local Laurencekirk shop, but the machine initially said it was not a winner. Just after the ticket was torn in half, they found out they were the winners of a huge £57.9 million jackpot.

Lucky pensioner Ivy Fuller tore up her winning GOLO ticket before she realised she'd won. She put the pieces together and claimed the prize! - GetSurrey

Take a look at the untidy pile of losing lottery tickets in your top drawer, and let’s see how we can make them productive before they head to the rubbish bin.

After all, you've probably put some serious money into those colored slips. We can't blame you for wanting something back for your trouble.

So here's 7 unusual ways you can turn your loss into a possible gain:

#1. Check them from the store machine first

This step is the most important. Even though you think you checked your tickets at the time - when you play often, the chance of missing a winning ticket in the pile is high. Protect yourself by getting down to your lottery store in their off-peak hours, and get your tickets put through as a double check.

#2. Donate them to art

This article showed two New York artists who build everyday items from used lottery tickets. Though they seem to prefer scratch-off tickets because of their vibrant colors, they also used standard tickets too.

And a store in the USA built a gingerbread house entirely from lottery tickets (right).

#3. Get them signed by celebrities

Why not? It will make them think a minute about why you're doing it, and you might get more time with them - maybe even a question. On balance, you'll get some interesting dialogue instead of a silent scrawl!

#4. Keep old tickets in your wallet to bribe muggers

In the heat of the moment they won't be checking the dates. Tell them you're about to get them checked, that you've won some prizes, and they can have them if they leave you alone. (What a sorry reason for keeping old lottery tickets! Let's hope it never happens to you).

#5. Use them in party games

Use the lottery number sequences, and then give your guests a number of minutes to find it. Hilarity ensured!

#6. Fundraising (bingo style)

Give out the tickets at the door, and call the numbers out like a bingo hall.

#7. Get tax back

Sometimes you can successfully argue that your losses are deductible. And according to this article at  lawyers.com, you can sometimes get away with it!

READ MORE: Here's What You Should NEVER Do To Your Lottery Tickets