Almost £500,000 in National Lottery cash awarded to Hartlepool projects

Twenty two grants were given out in the town, with the fund’s bosses sure they provided a vital boost to arts, sports, heritage projects and community groups which help those most in need.

Among them were West View Project Children and Young People’s Activity Centrewhich received cash to expand its services and provide family learning, including cooking, forest activities and team games during holidays.

Another £9,390 went to Red Dreams to provide childcare facilities and run workshops for women who have been away from employment to raise a family.

A further £9,728 was given to Elwick Parish Church to establish a computer club and employ an artist to work with children to set up a wildlife garden and bio-reserve.

Now they and others have been invited to gain more acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2016, which could see them receive a £3,000 and recognition at a ceremony.

John Barrowman, presenter of last year’s show, said: “The National Lottery Awards offer an unmissable opportunity to give outstanding projects their time to shine.

“If you can think of a great Lottery-funded project, please nominate them for an award.”

The awards are split into categories of sport,heritage, arts, environment, health, education and voluntary/charity and anyone who would like to nominate a project can tweet @LottoGoodCauses or call 0207 293 3599, with the deadline set for midnight on March 9.