CHARITIES and community projects in Bournemouth and south Dorset received more than £1.4million of National Lottery funding last year.

According to figures released this week the funds were awarded in 20 grants, to arts, sport and heritage projects, including the renovation of Durlston Castle near Swanage, which won Best Heritage Project in last year’s National Lottery Awards.

Other grants included £453,672 to Bournemouth Churches Housing Association to provide support for unemployed vulnerable adults, £3,088 to Moordown St John's Primary School to develop an outdoor classroom with a sensory garden for children, and £9,988 to The Grove Youth Club to refurbish their community centre.

Visit www.national lotteryawards.org.uk.