Durlston Castle has been voted Best Heritage Project in this year’s National Lottery Awards by members of the public. The National Lottery Awards recognise the outstanding contribution that Lottery-funded projects make to their local community.

The National Lottery has been changing people's lives for 18 years. Every week National Lottery players raise over £30million for good causes. A life-changing £5.1billion has been invested in heritage projects across the UK since the National Lottery began.

Durlston Castle is a key Jurassic Coast attraction and a focal point of Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve. Thanks to National Lottery funding it now has new and improved facilities which allow all weather access to a wider range of visitors.

Larry Lamb is pleased that the work of Durlston Castle has been recognised: "I am delighted to present this award to Durlston Castle. It shows just how popular and important Durlston Castle is, beating so many excellent projects to win this prestigious award. National Lottery players should be proud that their money has made such a difference to the Castle."

Hamish Murray from Durlston Castle said: "It is a huge honour for everyone associated with Durlston to win the UK's Best Heritage Project. Lottery funding has helped Dorset County Council to transform the Castle into a world-class facility for everyone who visits this wonderful section of the Jurassic Coast. The Durlston Rangers, project team and volunteers have worked tirelessly to make the project happen, and the award reflects the tremendous support of the local community."

There are seven categories in the National Lottery Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary/charity.

Durlston Castle and the six other winners will be celebrated at a special star-studded BBC One programme later in the year. Winners receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project as well as a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.

Further information

National Lottery Awards: Jackie Aplin on 029 2067 8278 / 07917 791 873, email: jackie.aplin@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.