A NORTH Yorkshire charity is appealing for local votes as it aims for nationwide acclaim in this year’s National Lottery Awards.

Norton-based Home-Start Ryedale beat off competition from 620 organisations to reach the public voting stage in the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

Now it is competing against six others in the Voluntary/Charity category to win £2,000 and a trophy at a ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One in September.

Home-Start Ryedale supports families experiencing a range of challenges in their daily lives such as social isolation, physical or mental health problems, financial or housing issues.

Volunteers with parenting experience offer support on a range of topics including nutrition, budgeting, child development and safety. Thanks to National Lottery funding more than 35 volunteers have been trained and more than 80 families supported in the district.

Senior co-coordinator Jo Oliver said: “It’s easy to vote, so we're hoping people support us, as it would be a fantastic reward for everyone involved in the project to receive national recognition for their hard work.”

To vote go to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or telephone 0844 836 9714 before midnight on July 29.