SEVEN community organisations throughout the borough are to benefit from lottery grants totalling more than £24,000.

Local sports clubs and the Bury Metro Deaf Society are to receive funding for various projects after making successful bids to the National Lottery Millennium Festival Awards.

The allocations are part of a £1,051,403 package to help 322 projects across the North West celebrate the new millennium announced by the National Lottery board this week.

There is still time for local organisations to apply for funding from the Millennium Awards scheme which is running until June.

Ms Rachel Brisley, senior awards officer, said: "The schemes cover a variety of different projects across the North West and there are still opportunities for groups to apply for funding."

She added: "This is an excellent opportunity for small, local groups to access Lottery funding and we are very keen to reach those groups who may not have received funding before." Bury Metropolitan Deaf Club provides support, advice and social activities for the deaf and has received £2,105 which will go towards refurbishing the cellar converting it into a tennis and pool room for members.

The Ramsbottom Heritage Society received £4,324 which will be spent on running costs for the Millennium Festival it is organising in June.

Bolton Road Sports Tennis Association received £2,105 to paint the tennis courts and buy new equipment.

The Scout and Girl Guides Association in Bury was awarded £3,678 for a five-day camping trip for members and training sessions for leaders.

Our Lady of Grace Pre-School Learning Alliance, Prestwich, has received £1,787 to buy new toys and equipment.

Bury Metro Community Twinning Association was awarded a £4,750 grant to fund its Millennium Festival celebrations.

Bury Jaguars Junior Hockey Club for six to 16-year-olds received £2,300 to pay for new equipment and running costs.

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