NEW figures show that 40 National Lottery Grants were awarded across Warrington last year, giving more than £3 million to important community projects.

The awards boosted sports, arts and heritage projects, with £9,900 going to Sport Works Cheshire to run fitness sessions for women.

Youth and community groups also benefitted, with £5,200 awarded to Warrington Youth Club to run sessions with the town’s young people.

Any organisation that has received funding can enter The National Lottery Awards 2016 to gain national recognition at a BBC ceremony and win £3,000.

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.

“Every one of you should feel proud to raise an astounding £34million a week, which provides much needed support to such life-changing work.”

If you would like to nominate a Lottery-funded project for the awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses or call 0207 293 3599 before midnight on March 9.