MORE than £3.1 million of National Lottery funding was invested into South Lakeland last year, figures released today reveal.

Forty-six grants were awarded, providing a vital cash boost to local arts, sport and heritage and community groups.

In 2013, grants awarded included: * £9,717 to Sight Advice South Lakes to buy equipment to help run outreach sessions for the visually impaired * £7,500 to Age UK South Lakeland to run ‘Keep Healthy’ days for older people * £9,943 to Bay Search and Rescue tat Flookburgh to buy new rescue equipment Now any organisation that has received Lottery funding for a project has the chance to gain national recognition for itsr work as the National Lottery Awards 2014 open for entries.

John Barrowman, presenter of last year’s National Lottery Awards show, said: “Everyone in South Lakeland 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.”

If you want to see a project from South Lakeland celebrated in this year’s National Lottery Awards, which will be broadcast on BBC 1 later in the year, visit www.nationallotteryawards.org.uk 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.