Former EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa is encouraging the public to nominate people and projects who are doing extraordinary things in Cheshire with the help of National Lottery funding.

National Lottery funding of nearly £8 million has been given to good causes in Cheshire in 2019/20 according to new figures released today to mark the launch of The National Lottery Awards.

A total of 206 National Lottery grants were allocated in this period providing crucial support to arts, sports, heritage and community organisations in Cheshire.

An example locally includes £10,000 of funding towards the Sandbach Transport Festival.

The National Lottery Awards are the annual search for the UK's favourite National Lottery funded people and projects.

In 2020 there were almost 5,000 nominations made and, once again, the National Lottery is looking to hear about those who are going the extra mile, doing amazing things and inspiring others.

Anyone who has received National Lottery funding is eligible for nomination.

Winners in each category will receive a £3,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.

Urging people to get their nominations in, Jacqueline Jossa said: "I really hope lots of people nominate [a local hero] because these people deserve to be celebrated, especially during these challenging times when many need the support more than ever.

"So much National Lottery funding goes to great causes and allows these local heroes to continue their inspirational work within our communities and it's thanks to National Lottery players that this can continue."

Encompassing all aspects of National Lottery good causes funding, the 2021 National Lottery Awards are seeking to recognise outstanding individuals in the following sectors:

• Culture, Arts & Film

• Heritage

• Sport

• Community/Charity

There will be a special Young Hero Award for someone under the age of 18 who has gone that extra mile in their organisation.

Winners of these categories will be chosen by a judging panel made up of members of the National Lottery family and partners.

In addition, projects from any sector that have received National Lottery funding are eligible to enter The National Lottery Project of the Year category. Sixteen shortlisted finalists will compete in a UK-wide public vote in September to claim this title.

To make your nomination for this year's National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or complete an entry form through the website. Entries must be received by midnight on 7th June 2021.