WEST Somerset benefitted from more than £105,000 of National Lottery funding, new figures have shown.

Eight National Lottery grants were given out in the region during 2016; providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.

A wide variety of local projects received National Lottery grants last year, including £9,600 to The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Nettlecombe for its medieval effigy restoration project, £10,000 to Stogursey Victory Hall to improve community services for people in this rurally isolated area and £9,985 to Crowcombe C of E VA Primary School to get play equipment for an outdoor area.

This week the National Lottery has launched its annual search for the UK's favourite Lottery-funded projects, The National Lottery Awards 2017.

Winners will receive a £3,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

National Lottery Awards cover seven categories: Sport, Heritage, Arts, Environment, Health, Education and Voluntary/Charity, to reflect the range of funding that the Lottery gives out.

There is also a Special Achievement Award to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an individual to improving the lives of others.

If you wish to nominate your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or call 02072 933329 to find out more and to enter. Entries must be received by midnight on Friday, April 7.