NEWLY revealed figures show that more than £170,896 of National Lottery funding was awarded across Hillingdon last year alone.

16 National Lottery grants were given out in Hillingdon during 2016 – providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.

A wide variety of local projects received National Lottery grants last year, including:

·         £10,000 to Friends of Cedar House: to provide a programme of activities for older people living in a care home.

·         £10,000    to Colham Manor Primary School: The group will use the funding to provide fixed playground activity equipment for extracurricular use

·         £10,000 to Centre for ADHD & Autism Support: The group will use the funding to support families with children who have learning disabilities.

From today, these examples, or any organisation that has ever received National Lottery funding, has the possibility of gaining nationwide acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2017 – the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £3,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

National Lottery Awards show presenter John Barrowman MBE said:  “The National Lottery Awards are a fabulous celebration of the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects as voted for by the public. 

“The Awards rightly put the focus on ordinary people doing extraordinary things with National Lottery funding, whose efforts go such a long way and are indeed changing lives. 

“National Lottery players can be very proud to have contributed towards their fine work.”

National Lottery Awards cover seven categories; Sport, Heritage, Arts, Environment, Health, Education and Voluntary/Charity, to reflect the range of funding that the Lottery gives out. 

There is also a Special Achievement Award to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an individual to improving the lives of others.

If you wish to nominate your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or call 0207 293 3329  to find out more and to enter. Entries must be received by midnight on 7 April 2017.