GOOD causes in Swindon received more than £775,055 of National Lottery funding in 2012, according to figures released this week.

A total of 33 grants were awarded across the area, providing a vital cash boost to local arts, sport and heritage projects and community groups helping the area’s most vulnerable people.

In the last year grants have included: l £9,914 to Swindon Wildcats In The Community CIC for after school hockey sessions l £6,109 to the Town Gardens Bowls Club to install a new kitchen l £49,015 for Swindon Festival of Literature 2013-2014 Now these projects, and any organisation which has received Lottery funding in the last 18 years, have a chance to gain national recognition for their work as the National Lottery Awards 2013 open for entries.

John Barrowman, the presenter of last year’s National Lottery Awards show, said: “National Lottery players in Swindon should be proud of the difference they are making to people in the area.

“The National Lottery Awards recognise the unsung heroes, dedicated workers and selfless volunteers making great use of Lottery funding.”

The National Lottery Awards have seven categories, including sport, heritage arts and voluntary/charity.The winners of The National Lottery Awards will receive a £2,000 cash prize and national recognition at a star-studded event broadcast on BBC One later this year.

If you want to see a project from Swindon celebrated in this year’s National Lottery Awards, visit www.nationallotteryawards.org.uk to find out more or call 0207 293 3599. Entries must be received by 9am on March 19.