Residents in the Ribble Valley are being encouraged to apply for lottery funding to boost local projects.

Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, attended an event at the House of Commons earlier this week to learn how projects can gain a cash boost from The National Lottery Community Fund. 

Last year, more than 35 per cent of organisations that received a grant from the National Lottery were awarded funding for the first time.

Nigel Evans has urged groups in his constituency to make the most of the available funding.

He said: “National Lottery funding is such a brilliant resource for charities and community projects across the Ribble Valley and the whole of the UK, so it is vitally important that those who could benefit most from these grants are aware of them and know how to apply.

“The money available will enable local priorities to be addressed by local people and I want to encourage anybody in the Ribble Valley with a great idea for a community project to apply for the opportunities on offer.”

David Knott, chief executive at the National Lottery Community Fund is proud the organisation can help the community.

He added: “We are constantly striving to remove barriers to accessing our funding, investing in building local capacity, filling funding gaps and giving voice to UK communities. 

“National Lottery funding is for everyone and enables communities to prioritise what matters to them.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest supporter of community activity in the UK and over the last 12 months has awarded nearly £600 million  to 12,500 organisations across the UK. 

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk