Centre needs your votes! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Centre needs your votes!

12:01am Monday 16th June 2008

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A Bradford outdoor education centre which has played an important role in the lives of young people throughout the district is calling for support.

The Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre, next to the River Wharfe in Ilkley, has reached the final ten in the Best Environment category of the National Lottery Awards 2008.

The awards recognise how Lottery-funded projects have made a difference to people's lives.

The centre, managed by Bradford Council's Early Years and Childcare Service, was selected for the competition after winning £250,000 to fund a 90-seat open air classroom and shower block which opened in July 2006.

The grant was secured by centre manager Bruce Fowler and Bradford Council's Education Client Team.

Now the centre needs the public's support. If named in the best three in its category after a round of nationwide voting, Nell Bank will receive a further £2,000 and go through to the finals of the competition and a slot on prime-time television.

Mr Fowler said: "The amphitheatre is a stunning environmental resource and it definitely deserves to win. It has been a fantastic addition to the site and it has given us the wonderful opportunity to expand and make the centre more accessible to schools.

"The amphitheatre's wooden structures are able to recycle rainwater for one of the centre's ponds and it also allows us to accommodate more groups all year round.

"I believe we're now well on our way to realising our collective ambition to make Nell Bank Britain's best outdoor day and residential education centre. So, come on people of Bradford - vote for your Nell Bank now!"

People can vote for Nell Bank from today online at lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or by calling 0845 386 5373. All votes must be received by Friday, July 4.

Councillor Colin Gill, the Council's executive member for services to children and young people, said: "Our outdoor education is a key element of the curriculum and access to high-quality venues like Nell Bank is essential.

"The centre offers excellent opportunities for our young people and children and reaching the final stages of this competition can only help highlight the fantastic facilities we have in our district."

The centre offers year-round adventure training activities for schools and community groups - with about 15,000 pupils visiting every year.

The three projects in each category of the competition with the most votes and the subsequent winners will be announced on a special Lottery TV programme in the autumn.

e-mail: dan.webber@telegraphandargus.co.uk

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