CHARITIES in North West Hampshire received more than £219,000 of National Lottery funding in 2012.

Sixteen grants were awarded across the area, providing a cash boost to arts, sport and heritage projects and community groups helping the area’s most vulnerable people.

In the last year grants have included £8,680 to a voluntary group in Andover called Young Mums Matter which supports teenage and young mothers.

The Andover Community Education Group received £8,500 to work with volunteers on the production of a series of literacy lessons on audio discs.

And Thruxton Parish Council was given £4,700 to improve the facilities on the village playing field.

Now these projects have a chance to gain national recognition for their work as the National Lottery Awards 2013 opens for entries.

John Barrowman, presenter of last year’s show, said the awards recognise the unsung heroes making great use of Lottery funding.

“The National Lottery raises £30m a week for good causes and the awards are a great way of celebrating the life-changing difference these projects make to communities,” he said.

“If you know of a Lottery-funded organisation that deserves to be nominated, we want to hear from you.”

For further information visit nationallotteryawards.org.uk or call 0207 293 3599. Entries must be received by 9am on 19 March.