NEW figures have revealed the National Lottery has invested more than £13 million in Bromsgrove projects since the first draw.

In the past two decades 411 grants have been awarded to individuals and organisations across Bromsgrove helping to change lives and transform communities.

The first grant awarded was in September 1995 to the National Federation of Music Societies for a grand piano.

Bromsgrove's largest ever National Lottery grant  was the £1.25 million towards the regeneration of the town centre, while the smallest was £521 to Phoenix Dance Club for a Second World War commemorative event.

Other projects benefitting from lottery funding include Bromsgrove Youth Homelessness Forum, Age Concern Bromsgrove and Acorn Children’s Hospice.

Jackie O’Sullivan, from the National Lottery, said: “In 20 years, The National Lottery has helped transform life in Bromsgrove for the better, creating iconic cultural landmarks, empowering communities and developing world class sporting talent.

“National Lottery funding has improved people’s health, preserved our rich heritage and created a better future for all.

"In addition to all the projects that have benefited, thousands of individuals across the UK have won life changing prizes with 3,600 millionaires created to date.

"National Lottery players can be proud of the positive changes they have helped bring about since the first draw in 1994.”