GOOD causes in Redditch received nearly £300,000 of National Lottery funding in 2012, according to recently released figures.

The funding provided 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 £190,000 to Your Ideas to deliver specialist support services to young people (aged 15 - 25 years) old with autism, £50,000 to Redditch Community Amateur Boxing Club and £7,800 to 1st Church Hill Scout Group for improvement works to its building.

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, presenter of last year’s National Lottery Awards show, said: “The National Lottery raises £30 million a week for good causes and the awards are a great way of celebrating the life changing difference these projects make to communities.

“National Lottery players in Redditch should be proud of the difference they are making to people in the area. The awards recognise the unsung heroes, dedicated workers and selfless volunteers making great use of Lottery funding. If you know of a Lottery-funded organisation that deserves to be nominated, we want to hear from you.”

The awards have seven categories: sport; heritage; arts; environment; health; education; 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 on BBC One later this year.

To nominate a Redditch project, visit www.nationallotteryawards.org.uk to find out more or call 0207 293 3599. The awards are now open for entries and any projects wishing to enter can do so by visiting the website. Entries must be received by 9am on March 19.