SCHOOL'S out - and Blackburn youngsters have hit the Lottery jackpot to the tune of £140,000.

Three out-of-school-hours childcare projects in the town have been awarded the cash by the New Opportunities Fund, which distributes National Lottery money to education, health and environment good causes.

The recipients are:

The Cool Kids Gang, in Mill Hill

Parents and Friends of Sacred Heart, in Lynwood Road

St Bartholomew's Church, in Bolton Road

Across the North-West, the fund has handed out £3.4million for out-of-school activities.

The Cool Kids Gang will get £50,000 to create 50 after-school, 50 before-school and 50 holiday places for children aged three to 11.

Spokesperson Elaine Gillibrand said: "I am really, really pleased. We did some research and asked people if they wanted an after-school club and we had nearly 400 positive replies.

"So there is a definite need for it."

A committee is being formed for parents and community leaders to set up the club, and it is hoped it might be up and running as early as September.

The £50,000 will be used mainly for the refurbishment of Mill Hill Community Centre in Chapel Street. The club will be used by pupils of Meadowhead and St Peter's primary schools. At Sacred Heart, headteacher Paul Heaton said their £40,701 award would mean they could get their own out-of-school club established.

There will be 30 before-school, 30 after-school and 30 holiday places.

"We already have children arriving early, but now we will be able to make sure they are breakfasted and have all the right nutrients inside ready for the day," said Mr Heaton.

The Rev Ken Howles said that St Bartholomew's, which will receive a £49,048 grant, would be able to start before and after clubs at Hollin Bank as well as a school holiday club.

There will be 40 after-school, 40 before-school and 40 holiday places for children aged three-to-11.

"It's good news. We are trying to make a difference to the community here," he added.

Les Enfants Ltd in Darwen has been awarded £21,600.