Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed funding for community groups that was secured through the National Lottery.

Pendle-based groups have recently received £146,335 through the National Lottery and Mr Stephenson urged other community groups to consider applying for funding.

Groups in the area to have benefitted in recent years include the Trawden Forest Community Centre and Colne Citadel’s Community Wellbeing Hub.

Colne Citadel were awarded funding in September to develop a community centre offering longer opening hours, more activities, and to employ a centre manager.

It provides a space for people to meet, learn new skills, eat in their volunteer-run café, drop-in sessions, peer-led arts and crafts activities, a community garden, and free personal counselling services.

The funding is being distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players.

Mr Stephenson said: “It’s fantastic to see local community groups like Colne Citadel benefitting from £146,335 of National Lottery funding here in Pendle. There’s a number of community groups doing inspirational work supporting local communities through what remains extremely difficult times.

“I would encourage any community organisation in Pendle to look at the success the likes Colne Citadel and the Trawden Forest Community Centre have had recently, and consider bidding themselves for National Lottery funding.”