SCORES of organisations in Hampshire are celebrating their share in almost £2 million worth of National Lottery-related grants.

The grants have been handed out under the Awards of All programme, formerly known as the Millennium Festival Awards, backed by the Arts Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Lottery Charities Board and Sport England.

Two of those golden awards have put rowing clubs on the crest of a wave just days after Great Britain oarsmen and women took the rowing world by storm in the Sydney Olympics.

The top amount handed out is £5,000 and both Lymington and Southampton Coalporters Ama-teur Rowing Clubs have been granted that amount for new boats - Lymington for a sectional coxed river four and Southampton Coalporters for a quad four river boat hull. Also receiving £5,000 in the Southamp-ton area are the 2nd Woolston (St Patrick's) Guide Company who are rebuilding their hall following an arson attack. They are also putting in additional facilities for the disabled.

A total of £64,307 has been allocated to 20 Isle of Wight organisations.

Vectis Vandals Mini Rugby Squad has received £4,988 for specialist equipment and coaching courses, while the Isle of Wight Heart Care Club gets £2,779 towards new fitness equipment.

St Helen's Cricket Club also benefits to the tune of £4,059 which will buy a non-turf playing surface, a portable cage and netting and extra youth equipment.

For a full list of groups see tonight's Daily Echo

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