A VOLUNTEER project in Accrington has been awarded more than £216,000 of lottery money.

The Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Council for Voluntary Service was given the cash from the Community Fund to continue its Volunteering Development Project (VDP) which recruits and places volunteers with organisations and community groups in the borough.

It is especially welcome because the group was refused a grant in November. This time staff went for a more targeted approach for their bid with a project that will help enlist and place people with special support needs into the voluntary sector.

The cash will also establish a new full-time post for a support worker for the project. The council currently employs 10 people in its two offices in Accrington and Ribble Valley.