COMMUNITY groups across Somerset are celebrating today after it was revealed they have been awarded £1 million in National Lottery funding.

The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund to 69 community projects in the county - ranging from Tai Chi and walking for older people to horse therapy for vulnerable young people.

Among those receiving cash are the North Curry Wildlife Group - which receives £9,950 - and the Brambles Day Nursery, which will receive £9,774 to provide an adventure garden for children and their parents based at 40 Commando and the local community.

Tom McCulloch, Head of Funding for the South West region at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “All over the country, National Lottery money is being used by people who are taking the lead in developing great ideas to help their communities thrive.

"They know and understand the needs of their area better than anyone else and are best-placed to develop projects to tackle them.

"These projects in Somerset are a brilliant example of this and, thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to be able to support them to change lives for the better.”

Somerset isn’t alone in enjoying the good news – the South West as a whole is receiving over £7 million which is being distributed to almost 300 community projects and organisations.

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.

Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds (508.5 million) and supported over 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes.

The total pot being made available to groups across England this quarter is almost £80 million.

To find out more visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.