MP celebrates as National Lottery investment in Westmorland and Lonsdale’s heritage hits over £45m

Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that more than £45,437,448 of National Lottery money has been invested in Westmorland and Lonsdale's heritage projects since 1994.

From exploring local archaeology and restoring local parks and buildings to protecting wildlife and researching local history, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded more than 173 grants to heritage projects in the area.

Now, HLF is encouraging people in Westmorland and Lonsdale to apply for grants between £3,000 and £10,000 to undertake projects exploring the impact and legacy of the First World War beyond 1918.

Whether that's looking at the role the war played in bringing about universal suffrage; the introduction of daylight saving; or the mechanisation of agriculture, there is a wealth of local stories waiting to be explored about life following the war.

Tim said: "Westmorland and Lonsdale has an incredibly rich history and I'm delighted to learn that thanks to the National Lottery local people have been exploring and enjoying that heritage.

"Just like many towns and cities across the UK, the Westmorland and Lonsdale we live in today was shaped by the First World War and so I strongly encourage local people to make use of the money available from Heritage Lottery Fund to explore its legacy further."

The money is available through HLF's community grants programme, First World War: then and now - www.hlf.org.uk/firstworldwar