NEW figures show that more than £2.1 million of National Lottery funding was awarded across Swindon last year alone.

31 Lottery grants were given out in the town during 2015, 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 £3,000 to Liddington Village Hall to refurbish the kitchen, £9,870 to Swindon Therapy Centre For Multiple Sclerosis so it can improve the support it provides to people with multiple sclerosis and £8,002 to Town Gardens Bowls Club to install facilities that meet the needs of disabled people.

Now, these lucky winners, or any organisation that has ever received National Lottery funding, have the possibility of gaining nationwide acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2016.

Each winner will receive a £3,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One in October.

Speaking at the launch of the awards yesterday John Barrowman, presenter of last year’s National Lottery Awards 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.

“All these fantastic projects are funded by National Lottery players - every one of you should feel proud to raise an astounding £34million a week, which provides much needed support to such life-changing work.”

National Lottery Awards are given across the seven categories of sport, heritage, arts, environment, health, education and voluntary/charity, to reflect the range of funding that the Lottery gives out.

If you wish to nominate your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or call 0207 293 3599 to find out more and to enter. Entries must be received by midnight on Wednesday, March 9.