Vote for Nell Bank in bid for lottery cash

7:14pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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THE Nell Bank outdoor education centre has reached the grand final of a National Lottery Award in the Best Environment Category.

The centre, next to the River Wharfe and on the edge of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty and Middleton Woods, is among just three UK projects battling it out for the prestigious title.

Managed by Bradford Council's Early Years and Childcare Service, the centre in Denton Road, Ilkley, entered the competition for its environmentally-friendly amphitheatre which has helped boost outdoor education for children across the district.

The awards aim to recognise how Lottery-funded projects have made a difference to people's lives.

Nell Bank's £250,000, 90-seat open air classroom and shower block were funded by the Big Lottery Fund and opened in July 2006.

The grant was secured by centre manager Bruce Fowler and Bradford Council's Education Client Team.

Mr Fowler, who has run the centre for 14 years, said: "The amphitheatre is a stunning addition providing a fantastic meet, greet and teaching area and extended season opportunities to help boost our visitor numbers by 3,000 a year.

"The innovative architecture includes water recycling into the centre's teaching ponds.

"It's brilliant that we've got through to the final thanks to local support and we just need one last push to win the title National Lottery Project of the Year.

"I believe we're now well on our way to realising our collective ambition to make Nell Bank Britain's best outdoor day and residential education centre."

Councillor Colin Gill, Brad-ford Council's executive member for services to children and young people, said: "This is great news and our outdoor centre is a wonderful resource which deserves this national recognition.

"The centre offers excellent opportunities for our young people and children and reaching the final of this competition can only help highlight the fantastic facilities we have in our district."

Kath Tunstall, the council's Strategic Director for Services to Children and Young People, said: "Learning outdoors gives children and young people the chance to have a go at lots of different activities, as well as enjoying the experience in a different environment.

"School programmes at the centre are also designed to raise achievement in curriculum subjects, including science, geography and PE "The centre offers year-round activities for schools and community groups, and about 15,000 pupils visit it every year, 85 per cent of whom are from Bradford schools while others groups are from Leeds or North Yorkshire.

The public can vote online at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards. Nell Bank is in the Environment category, or telephone 0845 386 5373.

Voting ends in three weeks on Friday, August 8. The winners will be announced on a special Lottery TV programme in the autumn.

"So, come on people of Bradford - vote for your Nell Bank again - now," said Mr Fowler.