BARROW and Furness MP Simon has thanked National Lottery players for their role in raising vital funding for local charities and community groups.

Local groups received £170,000 of National Lottery funding over the last three months, supporting their communities as they seek to overcome social and economic challenges caused by the pandemic and build back stronger.

Mr Fell welcomes the grants and wants more local good causes to apply for National Lottery funding, saying it could be a lifeline as local people and communities rebuild and recover from the pandemic.

Groups to have benefitted so far include The Theatre Factory who were awarded more than £151,000. The money will be used over three years to enable The Ashton Group Theatre to continue and expand on its work to deliver creative workshops in Barrow.

The funding is being distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players.

Simon said: “It is great to see how many community groups have benefited from £170,000 of National Lottery funding in Furness. These groups are inspirational in the great work and support they provide to local people and their community, helping to bring people together once again and build community spirit.”

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