AN MP has shared a heartfelt thank you after local groups received thousands of pounds in funding.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax thanked National Lottery players for their role in raising much-needed funding for local charities and community groups.

A total of £191,693 has been given to local groups over the last three months, which enabled them to bring people together and provide the tools and support they need to better prosper and thrive.

Richard Drax welcomed 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.

The latest group to have benefited from Lottery funding is Expia Ltd, which received £181,693 for their project on Portland.

Mr Drax said: “I am delighted Expia has been awarded this funding which will be used to refurbish and regenerate the old prison officer’s club at the Grove, Portland.

“Expia House will become a community facility, serving families visiting prisoners and supporting ex-offenders and those eligible for release on temporary licence. I have visited the project and believe the grant is well deserved, I congratulate them.

“It is great to see community groups benefitting from National Lottery funding in South Dorset. These groups are inspirational in the great work and support they provide, helping to bring people together once again and build community spirit.”

The funding is distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players. National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.

Emma Corrigan, England Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to be able to continue our support for charities and community groups across England over the summer, delivering valuable funding to life-changing projects, all thanks to National Lottery players.

“The funding will make a huge difference to the lives of many; building skills, building connections, and helping communities to prosper and thrive.”

Over the last 12 months, The National Lottery Community Fund have awarded £580 million in more than 14,000 grants, reaching every local authority and constituency in the UK.