A PROJECT that gives training and advice to victims of domestic violence is one of three Preston schemes to attract lottery cash.

The Sahara Project (Preston) Ltd has scooped more than £380,000 in the National Lottery Charities Board's latest round of grants.

It will use the cash to provide training, confidence building, education, volunteer opportunities and support for victims of domestic violence for women from Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities.

The grant will be received over two years and pay for six full-time workers, one part-time employee, refurbishment, office equipment and other expenses.

The Preston-based Lancashire Youth Clubs Association has been granted £184,657 to provide training for volunteers in youth work, with an emphasis on supporting young people from minority ethnic groups, rural communities and young disabled people.

And the Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council, which is based in Preston, will receive £95,569 - to help attract people from ethnic minorities to volunteer to work for organisations and businesses in their communities.

More than £7.5 million was awarded to schemes nationwide which fall under the Poverty and Disadvantage and the Community Involvement Programmes.

National Lottery Charities Board regional manager Andy Freeney said: "It is very satisfying to see so many groups applying to us for funding, these grants can make a huge difference to the local community."

If your group would like to apply for a grant call (0845) 7919191.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.