DURLSTON Castle is calling on your readers to vote for it in the semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards 2012. I’ve had the pleasure of presenting the awards before. They recognise the positive difference that Lottery-funded projects make to local communities. National Lottery players raise a massive £30million for good causes every week. This money changes lives by funding charities, arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary projects across the UK. Lottery funding paid for the renovation of Durlston Castle, which is now enjoyed by many more visitors – generating jobs and stimulating the local economy. Since the Castle reopened, public interest has been enormous with over 20,000 visits to the Castle over Christmas alone.

The castle now needs votes to reach the star-studded awards final, which is broadcast live on BBC One later this year. This is a wonderful opportunity to get national recognition for its tremendous work and a £2,000 cash prize is up for grabs.

Voting ends on Sunday 22 July and anyone can vote by going to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards.

JOHN BARROWMAN, Awards ambassador