Public vote for Lottery arts prize

The final stage of the National Lottery Awards opened this week, with 21 Lottery-funded projects vying for the public's support to win the prize for the favourite scheme.

There are seven categories, including one for the UK's best arts projects and best heritage projects, and the public have been asked to decide which one has put their Lottery money to the best use.

Winners will receive a GBP 2,000 prize on top of their regular funding.

Included in the arts category is Kidz R Us, a children's performing arts group in St Ives, and Streetwise Opera, a music programme for homeless people.

Heritage nominations include the Great North Museum in Newcastle and the Isle of Wight Railway Restoration.

The Lottery raises GBP25 million each week to support community projects throughout the UK.

Public voting ends on August 13th and the winners will be announced in September at an event broadcast by the BBC.