SOUTHAMPTON community groups are being encouraged to apply for a £2 million lottery fund that is opening on Saturday to celebrate The National Lottery’s 25th birthday.

Thousands of grants are now available to anyone with a great idea to bring their community together.

The fund offers anyone the chance to win £1,000 to make their idea into a reality.

Lives have already been transformed by the scheme, including one community project which hosted a 1940s-style tea dance to celebrate Armed Forces Day last year with the help of £500 from National Lottery funding.

Another involved a community group that purchased football equipment, who were given almost £500 of National Lottery funding so that more children could take part in activities.

It is hoped the fund will boost community spirit across the UK and appeal to individuals who might not have previously considered applying for National Lottery funding.

Jon Eastwood, senior head of regional funding at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “For 25 years The National Lottery has been helping communities to thrive in every corner of the UK – from inner cities to rural villages, and everywhere in between. That’s why the fund, #CelebrateNationalLottery25, is to say happy birthday and to empower anyone and everyone to make their idea for their community a reality.”