BASINGSTOKE charities and projects which have received National Lottery funding are being invited to enter a competition.

Last year, 21 Lottery grants totalling £360,000 were awarded in the borough, including £9,857 to St Mary Bourne Bowling Club to improve its facilities; £8,033 to Sherfield-on-Loddon Parish Council to provide play equipment for children; and £10,000 to Basingstoke and District Disability Forum to make a series of films about disability-related issues.

Now, these projects, and any others which have received Lottery funding in the last 18 years, have the chance to gain national recognition for their work through the National Lottery Awards 2013.

John Barrowman, presenter of last year’s awards, said: “The National Lottery raises £30million a week for good causes, and the awards are a great way of celebrating the life-changing difference these projects make to communities.

“The National Lottery Awards recognise the unsung heroes, dedicated workers and selfless volunteers making great use of Lottery funding.

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

There are seven categories to enter – sport, heritage, arts, environment, health, education and voluntary/charity.

The winners will receive a £2,000 cash prize and national recognition at a star-studded event to be broadcast on BBC One.

To nominate a Basingstoke project for an award, visit nationallotteryawards.org.uk. Entries can be made until 9am on March 19.