LOTTERY funding is set to benefit communities in East Lancashire with almost £450,000 being distributed to disadvantaged local areas.

Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS will receive £213,724 to improve areas with few community led services as part of the Small Groups Project, while Waddow Hall, Clitheroe will gain £150,000 to construct a group adventure house to raise esteem and confidence levels amongst its visitors.

St Luke's Parochial Church Council, Brierfield, will be issued with a grant of £15,349 in order to pay planning fees to refurbish a community church hall, while East Lancashire Deaf Society receive £85,595 to help kickstart a project aiming to increase employability and social inclusion amongst the deaf community.

Trinity Community Partnership, Clitheroe will similarly benefit with a grant of £59,930 to provide ICT training for staff and volunteers in community organisations.