MORE than £157 million has been given to Bradford projects by the National Lottery since it started 20 years ago.

New figures, released as the Lottery celebrates its 20th anniversary, show that in the past two decades 2,666 grants have been awarded to individuals and organisations in the district.

Lottery organisers Camelot would not say how much people in Bradford had spent on lottery tickets, but recent figures showed the district contributed £34.6 million to the lottery's arts funding pot since the National Lottery started - but only received £18.7 million back in arts grants.

The first National Lottery grant in Bradford was £170,000 handed to Bradford Voluntary Action Group For The Disabled, now known as Bradford Disability Services Limited, in 1995.

The project, based in Dockfield Road, Shipley, used the money to employ two dedicated workers for three years.

It worked with the disabled Asian population in the Bradford district, offering information and advice on how they could find out more about the benefits on offer to them.

The group also received £40,000 in 1996 to pay for a minibus.

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Mark Nicholson, current general manager at Bradford Disability Services Limited, said: "The National Lottery grants have been a great launchpad for us.

"The grant given to us made a big difference. The cash from the lottery has hugely benefitted us as an organisation."

The largest ever Lottery grant given in Bradford was £6 million to improve the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, now the National Media Museum. It spent the cash, given in 1997, on its redevelopment and reopened in 1999.

The site also received £3.75 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2002 to bring the collection of the Royal Photographic Society permanently to the museum.

The smallest grant was £280 given to The Aire Valley Vintage Machinery Club so it was able to hold a Second World War commemorative service. The club preserves, restoration and display of vintage machinery, primarily stationary engines, tractors and commercial vehicles.

MP David Ward (Lib Dem, Bradford East) said: "The lottery is making a substantial amount of money available for good causes, so I think, on balance, it's a positive thing.

"This is resulting in very important schemes being supported, including ones in my constituency."

Shipley MP Philip Davies added: "The National Lottery has made a massive difference. It has been a massive success.

"It has helped transform people's lives through giving money to charities, good causes and community groups.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund have also spent millions of pounds on restoring Roberts Park. That funding would not have been available without the Lottery.

"All of the groups who have benefitted do brilliant work."

Other Lottery-funded projects in the area include improvements to Cliffe Castle Park and a new clubhouse at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

There have also been 315 prize winners of more than £50,000, in the BD postcode area, including 38 millionaires.