COMMUNITY groups in Bolton found their lucky number was up when they netted £42,641 in Lottery funding.

Ten organisations have been given up to £5,000 to fund different projects.

Ladybridge Sports and Leisure Ltd will be kicking off the summer with a festival of football thanks to a grant of £5,000.

The festival which brings together a number of clubs and groups in the community, will use the money to hold a one-day event at Ladybridge High School for children between six and 11 years old.

Youngsters will be encouraged to take part in footballing activities.

Trustee and founder of Ladybridge FC, Steven Hill said: "When we started the club in 1989 our goal was to bring sport to the community. In 1996 we had 60 kids interested in the game, while today more than 3,500 kids play in the Bolton and Bury District Football League every Saturday morning.

"There is a real love of the grassroots game and with the World Cup, it's a perfect opportunity for us to get the kids involved and celebrate the sport."

Mr Hill added: "We wanted to create a family fun day centred around the sport to provide the opportunity for clubs and the community to come together and get involved.

"We work with novices to natural athletes and thanks to Awards for All, more people can get involved and participate in the sport that we love."

Smithhills School and Arts College will use £4,756 to create an outdoor performance area with £4,756.

Halliwell Drop-in Centre will use £4750 to establish a weekly arts and crafts session led by a qualified tutor.

Nine girl guides from Bolton Le Moors Scout District will be taking part in the international world association girl guide and scout camp in Sweden thanks to a £1,923 grant.

Other projects which also benefited include a primary school.

Markland Hill Primary School will be using their share of the cash to create a pond and maintain an allotment, grow flowers and vegetable for themselves, neighbouring schools and local play groups.

Simeon Centre Counselling Service, Destitution Project Support Unit, African Children Protection and Bolton Carers Support also received grants to further their projects.