Lotto cash offers boost to groups across the region

New figures show more than £870,000 of National Lottery funding was invested in Wishaw and Motherwell in 2017 alone.

Thirty-five National Lottery grants were awarded in the area last year, providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups.

A variety of local projects received National Lottery funding last year, including £1,584 to Wishaw-based The Wednesday Girls women’s singing group.

The grant will fund hall hire and tutor costs for the group’s activities.

Wishaw South Bowling Club received £8,500 to improve their disabled facilities and £150,000 went to Windmills Café in Motherwell which offers work experience opportunities in a contemporary café setting for young people with learning disabilities.

Organisations that have never received National Lottery funding have the possibility of gaining nationwide acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2018 – the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £5,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

Projects can be nominated for a National Lottery Award in seven categories; Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Heritage, Sport and Voluntary/Charity to reflect the breadth of funding in which the National Lottery invests.

To enter your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or call 0207 293 3329. Entries must be received by April 7.