TWENTY millionaires have been made in Crewe since the National Lottery started 20 years ago. 

New figures reveal that the National Lottery has invested more than £14.6m in Crewe and Nantwich projects in the 20 years since the first draw on November, 19, 1994.

In the past two decades 364 grants have been awarded to individuals and organisations across Crewe and Nantwich helping to change lives and transform communities.

• The largest ever National Lottery grant in Crewe and Nantwich is £2.8m for the Queens Park Restoration to ensure this popular public green space remains accessible to local residents and visitors to use and enjoy.

• The smallest has been £500 for Dane Bank Theatre Players to put on Chester Mystery Plays.

• The first National Lottery grant was £9,412 for Crewe Rollers BMX Club to upgrade its cycle track.

Other Lottery-funded projects in the area include Home-Start Central Cheshire, Crewe Vagrants Sports Club and Crewe Women's Aid.

The lives of individuals in Crewe (CW postcode area) have also been changed with 165 winners of prizes more than £50,000, including 20 millionaires, created to date.

Jackie O’Sullivan, from the National Lottery, said: “In 20 years, The National Lottery has helped transform life in Crewe and Nantwich for the better, creating iconic cultural landmarks, empowering communities and developing world class sporting talent."