COUNTRYSIDE charity, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is celebrating the news that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have now raised more than half a billion pounds for good causes.

The Clapham based trust has received almost £2.5 million from the lottery since 2009, allowing it to continue expanding its work to support the people, landscape and wildlife of the area.

This year, it will receive £400,000 to allow it to continue with its work.

Funding has enabled the charity to continue long-running projects such as woodland planting and wildflower meadow restoration as well as invest more in delivering education and training, outreach and community grants through a number of new schemes.

It has helped to plant more than 1.5 million trees since 1996 and given almost 13,000 adults and young people from disadvantaged urban backgrounds the chance to enjoy all kinds of activities and adventures in the Yorkshire Dales, often for the first time.

David Sharrod, chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, said: “It is fantastic news that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £500 million and supported more than 7,500 deserving causes.

“We are more than grateful for players’ support and the significant difference it makes to the people, landscape and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales.”

He added: “In 2020, we will receive £400,000, taking our partnership into its 11th year. This incredible, ongoing and flexible support has transformed us a charity and continues to have a huge impact on what we can achieve. We’d like to thank players and all at People’s Postcode Lottery for making it happen.”

Clara Govier, managing director at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “This is a vitally important milestone for charities across Britain and beyond.

“By raising more than £500 million for good causes like Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, our players are making a real difference. This simply couldn’t have been achieved without them.

“So, my message to those millions of players is simple – a heartfelt thank you. People’s Postcode Lottery was created to raise funds for charities and good causes, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to do exactly that.”

With a minimum of 32 per cent of every ticket going to charities and good causes, players have supported more than 7,500 good causes, big and small, making a difference at both a global and local level.