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Stourport Canal Basins triumphs at National Lottery Awards

8th Sep 2009

British Waterways' restoration project team for Stourport Canal Basins, is celebrating after being voted the UK's favourite Lottery-funded heritage project, beating hundreds of projects from across the UK.

The Restoration of Stourport-on-Severn Canal Basins won the prestigious title of Best Heritage Project and a £2,000 cash prize to spend on the project, at this year’s National Lottery Awards.

Staff and volunteers from the project mingled with celebrity guests at the star-studded awards show, broadcast live on BBC 1 on Saturday 5 September.

Famous names attending included hosts Myleene Klass and Nick Knowles, actress Fay Ripley, model and presenter Lisa Snowdon, fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant and broadcaster John Sergeant, ‘King of the Jungle’ Christopher Biggins, singer David Gray, The Noisettes, and 15-year old diving sensation Tom Daley.

The Restoration of Stourport-on-Severn Canal Basins received an incredible show of public support throughout all stages of the competition.

Accepting the award, British Waterways' regeneration manager, Chris Bailey said: “It is an absolute honour to have won this award. Our lottery funding has been vital to this extensive restoration project, which has truly made a huge difference to the local area and the community, giving Stourport a new lease of life. Being part of this year’s awards has enabled our project to be recognised on a national platform.”

He continues: “We have received tremendous support throughout all stages of the competition and on behalf of everyone involved in the Restoration of Stourport-on-Severn Canal Basins, I would like to thank each and every one of the thousands of people who voted for us.”

John Sergeant who presented the project with their National Lottery Award, said: “It has been an honour to meet all the fantastic staff and volunteers who run this brilliant project, and to have the chance to find out more about it.

“It really is a wonderful example of how Lottery funding has made a difference to the local community and beyond. I am so thrilled for them that they have received this much-deserved recognition tonight and I was delighted to have presented them with the Best Heritage Project award. I wish them all the best for the future in their good work, which is having such a positive impact on so many people.”

Last updated: 09/09/2009