A DARWEN fishing club is offering some handy hints on how to hook lottery funding after reeling in more than £7,000 from the Sports Council.

The lottery handout will enable Newrad Fishing Club to fulfil its dream to provide facilities for disabled anglers at a revamped lodge mill in Watery Lane, Darwen.

And flushed by their success, the club wants to offer other organisations a list of tips that could see their dreams come true.

Steve Duncan, who co-ordinated the bid for the club which was also given a helping hand by the Citizen after winning £1,100 from the Citizen - Crown Paints Community awards, has put together a four point plan.

Tip One - Spread the load

Don't leave everything in the hands of just a few members of your group. The more people involved the better.

Tip Two - Don't be afraid to ask for outside help.

We involved our local councillors who helped cut the red tape to get things moving.

Tip Three - Don't be put off by the forms.

Filling in forms can be a daunting task but if you're unsure of how to fill them in just ask for help

Tip Four - Never give up

We made the mistake of applying for a grant for work that had already been started and were turned down. But after an appeal met sympathetic ears we were told we could apply for part of the outstanding work. Remember apply for grants before you start the work.

Mr Duncan added: "These four points helped us to obtain the funding - they can apply to any group which is applying for a lottery grant - I'd advise anyone thinking about it to seek outside help from councillors or your local authority."

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