RESIDENTS in the Banbridge district have the chance to nominate local good causes for the National Lottery Awards 2012 - the annual search to find the UK’s favourite lottery-funded projects.

Nearly £880 million of National Lottery funding has been awarded to groups across Northern Ireland since the National Lottery began and any organisation – big or small - which has received Lottery funding, is eligible to enter.

National Lottery Draw Show host, Jenni Falconer, encouraged local people to get involved by nominating Lottery-funded projects which are deserving of recognition.

“National Lottery players raise a staggering £30 million every week for good causes,” she said, “and an impressive variety of Lottery-funded projects have touched the lives of many in Northern Ireland, helping vulnerable children, improving participation levels in sport, transforming parks and iconic buildings and celebrating our shared heritage.

“The National Lottery Awards recognise the unsung heroes, selfless volunteers and dedicated workers who are improving lives with Lottery funding. There are literally thousands of Lottery-funded projects across the UK deserving of recognition, so, if you know of a project that is making an outstanding impact in your community, we want to hear from you.”

Entrants which make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will receive national recognition at a star-studded event, broadcast on BBC1 later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2,000 cash prize.

For more information, visit www.nationallotteryawards.org.uk. Entries must be received by 5pm on Monday, 12th March.