As the closing date for entries draws closer, BBC’s The One Show host and Strictly Come Dancing favourite, Matt Baker, is urging people in Wales to nominate their favourite local Lottery-funded project for recognition in The National Lottery Awards 2011.

With £28 million raised by Lottery players every week for good causes, National Lottery Awards ambassador Matt, is encouraging any projects in Wales, or from across the UK, that have benefitted from Lottery funding to enter the Awards and gain recognition for their work. However, time is running out as all completed entries must be in by 5pm on Friday 18 February 2011.     

Matt presented a trophy at The National Lottery Awards 2010 event, which was broadcast live on BBC One. He says: “Last year, I was lucky enough to meet some of the projects competing in The National Lottery Awards and it was really inspiring to see the difference that Lottery funding is making across the UK. 

“The National Lottery Awards are an opportunity to celebrate just some of the fantastic work that is being done with Lottery money and to recognise the dedication and hard work of the people behind the scenes at Lottery projects who are making a difference in their communities.

Matt continues: “The deadline for entries for The National Lottery Awards 2011 is drawing closer so if a Lottery-funded project has had a positive impact on your local area, made a real difference to your life or if you are personally involved with a project that is transforming your community, then this is your last chance to nominate. And who knows, if your project is successful it could be celebrated by the nation later this year.”

The entrants that make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will receive national recognition at a star-studded event broadcast on BBC One later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2,000 cash prize.

The National Lottery Awards have seven categories - each reflecting an area of Lottery funding: Sport; Heritage; Arts; Environment; Health; Education; and Voluntary/Charity.

If you want to nominate a project in this year’s National Lottery Awards or if you are a Lottery-funded project that wishes to enter, visit the National Lottery website or call 0207 960 6828. Entries must be received by 5pm on Friday 18 February.  

Notes to editors

The winning project in each category will receive national recognition at a star-studded event broadcast on BBC One later in the year. Winning projects also receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project. This is in addition to the Lottery funding they have already received

Any Lottery-funded project or organisation is eligible to enter the Awards

Projects that are nominated must complete The National Lottery Awards 2011 entry form to be eligible

Shortlisted projects will compete in two rounds of public voting later in the year to determine the winner. All voting will be independently verified

Photographs of last year’s Award winners and the Awards show are available on request

Since The National Lottery began in 1994, Lottery players have raised over £25 billion for Good Causes and over 350,000 grants have been awarded across the UK

National Lottery website.

Further information

Jackie Aplin, National Lottery Promotions Unit Media Relations Manager for Wales on 029 2067 8278 / 07917 791 873 or jackie.aplin@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.