MORE than £1.5million has been handed out to community projects across East Lancashire.

The Big Lottery Fund has donated cash to 33 projects which aim at making a difference to people in their area.

Among the donations included £464,832 to the Building Bridges group in Pendle for their Good Neighbours project.

The aim of the project is to challenge racism, prejudice and division within communities.

Home Start across Rossendale and Burnley and Hyndburn’s Needs First project was given £448,477.

The project looks at supporting parents facing challenges of financial deprivation, isolation, disability and domestic violence.

Blackburn Festival of Lights CIC was given £9,924 to help support its Illuminated Communities project.

Kerris Casey-St Pierre, director of festival of light, said: “The lottery fund money goes an incredibly long way.

“We have been able to hold almost 44 workshops this year as a result of Big Lottery Fund money and its been fantastic.

“We have been able to reach so many people and get so many on board to create the wonderful lanterns for our parade today.

“Without this it would have been much more difficult to accomplish.

“We are all so grateful for the funding.”

Burnley-based Snowdrop Doula was given £399,771, which helps parents and women through pregnancy and after care.

Other groups such as St Mary’s Football Club in Hyndburn, Humraaz in Blackburn and the Friends of Whitworth Youth were granted £10,000.

Andrew Stephenson, Pendle MP, said: “I am delighted that the excellent work of community groups in Pendle is once again being recognised by the Big Lottery Fund.

“The projects receiving funding do great work for the community and many people will benefit from the opportunities they are creating.”

The funding comes as part of £50.3million awarded to more than 2,300 community projects across the UK.

The Young Women’s Forum received £9,280.45 to support people from a South Asian background and help them learn new skills.

James Harcourt, England grant making director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “We are proud to be able to distribute National Lottery money to community projects that are making a real difference across the country.

“It’s amazing to see some of the incredible things people are making happen for themselves and the people around them. It really is life changing.”