A Northern Ireland project is competing to win the title of the UK’s Best Heritage Project as part of this year’s National Lottery Awards. Three projects have made the final with the winner to be decided by the general public. The final round of public voting is now open and the group needs your vote to secure the prestigious title.

The Northern Ireland finalist is the We Were Brothers: WW1 A Shared Heritage project, which explored the heritage of soldiers from both the Unionist and the Nationalist traditions in the North West who served side by side with the British army in WW1, as members of the Ulster Battalions or the Irish Volunteers. Outputs included a play, DVD, interactive website and youth project. 

The National Lottery Awards are an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects and celebrate the difference that these organisations make to local communities. The winner of the Best Heritage Project will receive national recognition at a star-studded event later this year, broadcast on BBC One, as well as a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project.

To register your vote for We Were Brothers call 0844 836 9717 or log on the website.

This year’s National Lottery Awards are supported by lottery draw show host, Myleene Klass, she says: “The National Lottery Awards recognise the immense impact that lottery-funded projects have on people and communities across the UK. Lottery players raise a massive £28million a week for Good Causes, that’s almost £3,000 every minute. This funds something for everyone from big projects like museums and art galleries to helping local sport, heritage and community groups.
 
“These finalists showcase the selfless volunteers and unsung heroes who are using lottery funding to improve the lives of others. This is your final chance to pay tribute to them by voting for your favourite project. Please get behind your favourite project and secure them national recognition - every vote counts!”

Notes to editors

• This is not a lottery grant. All projects have already received lottery funding and this cash prize is in addition to the lottery money they have already been awarded.

• All voting is independently adjudicated and verified by Electoral Reform Services.

• Calls cost no more than 5p from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary, calls from mobiles could cost considerably more. Callers are advised to check with their telephone network provider to be certain of the cost. No profit will be made from the cost of the phone vote by The National Lottery. 

• Public voting for the final starts at 9am on 2 September and ends at midday on 26 September 2011.