PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has praised a new government scheme which could provide Lottery grants for new activities in the borough.

Following the success of the Millennium Award Scheme, the Millennium Commission has launched the You and Your Community Millennium Awards.

They will help people and communities by providing funding for bright ideas to be put into action.

It is aimed at individuals who take on voluntary work that statutory organisations find difficult, such as discouraging young people from taking drugs and reducing bullying.

Mr Prentice said: "We have had more than 15 awards in Pendle so far for a wide range of schemes from local community action on environmental projects to helping young people with permanent mobility disabilities.

"Award winners have enabled individuals to achieve lifetime ambitions and personal goals."

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