SAM Rowlands, MS for North Wales, has welcomed further investment from the National Lottery to help projects in the region.

With a total of £426,443 awarded to North Wales schemes since November, the move provides substantial support for community initiatives.

Mr Rowlands said: “We have many different initiatives all over my region and it is really heart-warming to hear about this vital support for our communities.

“There are so many deserving schemes and I was particularly delighted to see a grant of £247,802 being awarded to the Prestatyn and Meliden Community Action Group.

“The grant will help support targeted programmes over three years to support young people and the wider community.”

The Rocks Works Academy Ltd in Wrexham, which delivers free music sessions for vulnerable adults and young people, and the Wrexham Africa Community, which provides traditional African food packs for members of African communities, will each receive £10,000.

Flintshire-based Arts and Soul Tribe CIC will receive £9,450, in order to develop wellbeing activities as the area recovers from the effects of the pandemic.

Mr Rowlands added: “They are all excellent projects and in these challenging times it is more important than ever that the support is there for those who need it most.”