MORE than £163,000 of National Lottery funding was invested into Bracknell in 2013.

Figures released on Thursday reveal 11 grants were awarded across the Bracknell Forest area, providing a vital cash boost to local arts, sport and heritage and community groups helping the area’s most vulnerable people.

Grants awarded included: l £10,000 to Meadow Vale Primary School to create an outdoor play area for use during out of school hours. l £50,000 to Bracknell Rugby Football Club for refurbishment of shower, toilet, gym and changing rooms.

l £5,401 to Mapis Project CIC to training young unemployed people to gain recognised qualifications.

Now these projects, and any organisation which has received Lottery funding, have a chance to gain national recognition for their work as the National Lottery Awards 2014 open for entries.

TV presenter John Barrowman, who hosted last year’s National Lottery Awards show, said: “Lottery players raise £33 million every week for a wide range of projects which make a life changing difference to local communities.

“The Awards are a great way of celebrating their work and the unsung heroes helping people with National Lottery funding.

“Everyone in Bracknell who plays the National Lottery should be proud of the difference their money is making in the local community. If you know of a Lottery-funded organisation that deserves to be nominated, we want to hear from you.” The Awards have seven categories – each reflecting an area of Lottery funding: Sport; Heritage; Arts; Environment; Health; Education; and Voluntary/Charity.

The winners of The 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 Bracknell celebrated in this year’s National Lottery Awards, visit www.nationallotteryawards.org.uk to find out more or call 0207 293 3599.

Projects wishing to enter can do so by visiting the website. Entries must be received by midnight on March 12.