Today, my team attended the National Lottery's event in parliament to celebrate their work to support grassroots groups and projects within the constituency.

Since the National Lottery started in 1994, £20.7 million of funding has gone to 371 projects in Hornchurch and Upminster. National Lottery funding has already made a massive difference in the area, but there is still more money available that could be just the ticket for local sports clubs, and arts, community and heritage groups.

Projects and groups which have already benefited from Lottery funding include the Havering Association for People with Disabilities, whom I recently visited with the team. H.A.D. provide an excellent facility for those with disabilities to socialise and participate in activities in a safe and welcoming environment. The Association recently secured a grant from Heritage Lottery Funding for a World War II-themed open event, celebrating their unique original wooden hut from RAF Hornchurch and introducing constituents to their services.

Over the summer, I visited the Thames Chase Community Forest who have also been assisted by Heritage Lottery Funding to restore despoiled areas in Havering and bordering boroughs, to their natural woodland state. Thames Chase have received a number of grants over the years to assist in with planting programmes and the restoration of historic barns and stables on the site.

And perhaps the most recognisable Heritage Lottery Funded project within the constituency is the work to restore the Upminster Windmill Site, which received over £1.5 million in grant support. This funding has been used to restore not only the fabric of the windmill but also to bring the internal milling machinery back to full working order. Working in partnership with London Borough of Havering, this funding is also supporting the creation of a visitor and education centre, due to open next year, as well as archaeological excavations in the area.

While our constituency has already benefited from National Lottery funding, there are undoubtedly many, many more local charities and groups who would be eligible to receive project support.

I would encourage any local groups looking for funding support for a particular project to find out more about National Lottery funding and how to apply for it by visiting: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.