NEWLY-revealed figures show that more than £795,000 of National Lottery funding was awarded across Monmouthshire in the last year alone.

59 Lottery grants were given out in Monmouthshire during 2015; providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.

A wide variety of local projects received National Lottery grants last year, including £5,000 to Tintern Recreation Centre and Village Hall to repair the ceiling and the gas central heating system of the hall, providing improved facilities for user groups and £13,554 to Usk Rugby Football Club to develop its Junior Pitch and Training Ground Development.

These examples, or any organisation that has ever received National Lottery funding, now have the possibility of gaining nationwide acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2016.

National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £3,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One in October.

John Barrowman, presenter of last year’s National Lottery Awards show, said: “The National Lottery Awards offer an unmissable opportunity to give outstanding projects their time to shine. If you can think of a great Lottery-funded project, please nominate them for an Award.”

“All these fantastic projects are funded by National Lottery players - every one of you should feel proud to raise an astounding £34 million a week, which provides much needed support to such life-changing work.”

National Lottery Awards are given across seven categories; Sport, Heritage, Arts, Environment, Health, Education and Voluntary/Charity, to reflect the range of funding that the Lottery gives out.

If you wish to nominate your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or call 0207 293 3599  to find out more and to enter. Entries must be received by midnight on 9th March 2016.