More than £36million of National Lottery cash has been invested in Copeland since the millionaire-making scheme began almost 25 years ago, new figures have shown.

Over 500 National Lottery grants have been awarded in the area since 1994, supporting communities, sports teams, environmental projects and creative endeavours, and helping to look after elderly people and those at risk.

The largest such grant handed out in Copeland was £5.6 million in 1997 for redevelopment around Whitehaven Harbour and town, including the creation of The Rum Story.

The first National Lottery grant was £7,000 to Millom Amateur Operatic Society

However, most National Lottery grants are for £10,000 or less. For example, in 2018, £2,800 was awarded to the Vulture Club in Whitehaven to deliver walking sessions in the Lake District for people experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.

A total of more than £60 million has been handed out to causes in Allerdale by the lottery.

Now any organisation that has received National Lottery funding can enter the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards, a scheme searching for the UK's favourite National Lottery funded projects.

Winners will receive £10,000 and national recognition at a ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

Jonathan Tuchner from The National Lottery said: "Since its launch 25 years ago, The National Lottery has helped changed lives across the UK.

"This tremendous work would not be possible without those who play The National Lottery and those who do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.

"They are transforming their community every day of the week and if you know of one that deserves recognition then please nominate them for a National Lottery Award.

"I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next 25 years."

To enter your favourite project in the awards, complete an entry form at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards.

Entries must be received by midnight on April 30.