KEIGHLEY-district projects together received over £438,000 in National Lottery cash last year, new figures show.

Nineteen grants were awarded to groups in the area, covering fields including the arts, sports, heritage and community.

Among the recipients was Keighley & District Volunteer Centre, which was given £207,713 to provide one-to-one befriending support for older people experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

Other beneficiaries included St Joseph's Catholic Primary School at Ingrow – which received £9,890 to improve its outdoor facilities – and the Friends of Silsden Town Hall, awarded £9,971 to buy stage and audio equipment.

Now, all National Lottery-funded projects are being given the chance to win UK-wide acclaim.

This year's National Lottery Awards will recognise the nation's favourite schemes.

Winners will each receive a £5,000 cash prize and will be spotlighted at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC1.

Projects can be nominated in seven categories – arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport and voluntary/charity.

"There are thousands of ordinary people doing extraordinary things with National Lottery funding within communities across the country," said TV presenter Ore Oduba, who hosted last year's awards show.

"These awards are a rare opportunity to put the spotlight on those who truly deserve it."

To nominate a project, tweet @LottoGoodCauses or call 020 7293 3599. The deadline for nominations is April 6.