National Lottery bosses have revealed more than £43million has been invested in Bury projects in the 20 years since the first draw was made.

In the past two decades, 747 grants have been awarded to individuals and organisations across Bury helping to change lives and transform communities.

The largest lottery grant in Bury is £2.3 million for the creation of the Irwell Sculpture Trail

The smallest has been £248 towards set up costs for a counselling service for women who have been subjected to domestic violence

The first award was £50,000 for five-a-side and netball pitches plus female changing rooms at Footballers Further Education

Other Lottery-funded projects in the area have included include Bury Transport Museum, Bury Gymnastics Centre, Bury Library Service and Bury College.

The first Lottery draw was carried out on November 19, 1994.

Jackie O’Sullivan, a spokesman from the National Lottery, said: “In 20 years, the National Lottery has helped transform life in Bury for the better, creating iconic cultural landmarks, empowering communities and developing world class sporting talent.

“National Lottery funding has improved people’s health, preserved our rich heritage and created a better future for all. In addition to all the projects that have benefited, thousands of individuals across the UK have won life changing prizes with 3,600 millionaires created to date. National Lottery players can be proud of the positive changes they have helped bring about since the first draw in 1994.”

National Lottery players have raised more than £32 billion for arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport and voluntary projects across the UK.

More than £53 billion has been paid out in prizes.

Bury residents can learn more about projects in their area by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

There are currently a number of sizeable unclaimed prizes, the biggest of which is £1M for a Lotto ticket bought on June 28 this year in the London borough of Ealing. The last date to claim is Christmas Day.