By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 13:35, Thursday, 14 June 2012

A Penrith bowling club which was burnt to the ground in an arson attack is among several good causes which are benefiting from a community lottery.

Bosses at the Pride of Penrith Lottery say applications for funding have flooded in.

Among the successful ones have been the Castle Park Bowling Club, whose wooden pavilion was destroyed in an arson attack in March.

Though the club now has temporary accommodation, it needed to pay for essential equipment which it had lost in the fire. The Pride in Penrith Lottery awarded the club £500 to help it get back on its feet.

The local lottery has so far been able to donate more than £13,000 to good causes in the Penrith area.

Penrith Cricket Club was given £1,170, money that will help pay for training equipment. A Portanet, coaching bats, skyer bat, training bibs, and pop up nets, reaction balls and vortex balls will be used by the junior teams.

Money was also awarded for club playing sweaters for the women’s team.

Philip Park MBE, of Penrith Cricket Club, said: “Being awarded this grant is a terrific morale booster for the club and it really is great that the Pride in Penrith Lottery is willing to provide such valued support.”

He thanked the Lottery for supporting the work of the cricket club.

Another sporting team to benefit from the donations of members is Wetheriggs United Football Club.

It applied for £470 for football equipment which will be used by both the club and Castletown Junior Football Club and will replace old and worn out equipment the club has had for many years.

The new equipment will benefit at least 200 girls and boys up to open age football in Penrith and the Eden Valley.

Andy Ridley, director of football for Wetheriggs United, said: “We are delighted to accept a grant from the Pride in Penrith Lottery for essential equipment for all our teams. We aim to introduce young people to sport and ensure our young community benefits from being part of a team, allowing personal and skills development.

“Thanks to all the members who contribute to this scheme and allow projects like this continue to prosper.”

A donation of £250 was recently awarded to the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of St Andrew to help them fund the bank holiday royal Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Newbiggin and Penruddock Playgroup has also been awarded funding.

First published at 11:28, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk