COMMUNITY groups in East Lancashire are celebrating after winning a share of almost £1million of lottery cash.

The Big Lottery yesterday announced £967,000 of grants as part of its scheme targeting vulnerable people across the North West.

Burnley's Building Bridges project, which works with young people in schools, churches and mosques to improve community cohesion, scooped £441,154.

In Hyndburn, Saheli Connection, an innovative project encouraging young Asian girls who are at risk of poor health to exercise, was given £244,765.

And the Widening Horizons scheme for disadvantaged women across Great Harwood, Accrington and Pendle, was given £232,404.

Building Bridges' grant is dependant on the project raising £25,000 itself in the next six months.

Community development officer Margaret Richardson said: "Obviously we are very happy and excited but we are not out of the woods yet."

She added: "The money will enable us to continue, and to expand our work, which in the long run will be of benefit to the wider Burnley community."

Saheli Connection offers activities including netball, hockey and aerobics to nine to 16-year-olds free of charge in a bid to encourage them to participate in mainstream exercise.

The project's Yamin Shabbir said: "The funding will enable us to reach young Asian girls suffering from health issues because of lack of exercise.

"We hope that the project will really make a positive difference to these local youngsters and in the way in which they develop themselves physically and mentally."

Widening Horizons was launched by Lancashire Wide Network for Minority Ethnic Women, and works with women to overcome language and cultural barriers, poor health and low income.

The remaining £48,705 was given to Alcohol and Drug Services, based in Blackpool.