Now is the time to recognise and reward our region’s real-life champions

STRONG communities are the backbone of Britain.

Whether it’s keeping an eye out for your neighbours, chatting with other parents at the school gates or supporting your local team, community spirit is the glue that binds us all together, young and old, regardless of our backgrounds and beliefs.

And all over Manchester, selfless people are doing amazing things to make our communities even stronger.

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we know all about these local heroes.

We share their stories with you every day in print and online. They help others perhaps working with kids or looking after the elderly and vulnerable - making the places we live in more welcoming for all of us.

That’s why we’re delighted to support The People’s Projects, which will see community champions in your area given a cash boost of up to £50,000 each.

No doubt you know someone in your street, village or town, who gives up their time to help a local good cause. Maybe it’s you.

So many of these brilliant projects have been made possible by National Lottery funding. Every week, The National Lottery donates an incredible £30 million from ticket sales to good causes, including ones in your area, and has so far funded more than half-a-million projects nationwide.

And now it is your turn to say which projects in your area will receive a vital boost from National Lottery funding.

The Big Lottery Fund, which is the largest distributor of National Lottery money, has once again teamed up with ITV and The National Lottery to give you the chance to vote for how £3million of National Lottery funding could be used to make a difference across the UK including here in Manchester.

Since 2005, when the initiative was known as People’s Millions, The People’s Projects has helped award £36 million to 770 good causes across the UK.

Your vote really can make a vital difference to your community, so be sure to find out about the shortlisted projects in your area, and vote for your favourite at thepeoplesprojects.org.uk