The Battersbys of Coronation Street today launched the BIG Lottery Fund and ITV's People's Millions contest, giving the green light for community projects across the ITV Granada region to bid for a share of £400,000 in Lottery money up for grabs.

Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) and Vicky Entwistle (Janice Battersby) announced that five awards of up to £80,000 are ready to be won by community projects across the ITV Granada region.

People throughout the region have until May 17 to enter the competition. ITV Granada viewers will be able to vote on which local community projects they want to win the Lottery good cause funding, when the on-air contest hits TV screens in November.

Since the launch of People's Millions in 2005, a total of £431,378 has been awarded to nine projects in the ITV Granada region. Previous winners have been using their awards to make their local communities a better place to live.

These include Springhill Hospice in Rochdale who were awarded £41,229 after wining their People's Millions vote in November, 2005. The hospice used their grant to improve its garden and create a peaceful outdoor area for patients, families, visitors and the local community.

Application packs for People's Millions are available by calling the hotline: 08450 10 11 12 or by visiting www.peoplesmillions.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Thursday, May 17.

Sir Clive Booth, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said: "This is the final year of People's Millions and, if last year was anything to go by, the contest is going to be enormous!

"In 2006 the programme had a huge response with 350,000 people across the UK voting for their favourite project to win.

"This year's funding bar has been raised to up to £80,000 and even more projects than ever before will be able to compete for a share of the £7.8million pot.

"We've funded a wide range of projects since People's Millions started, including play areas, sensory gardens and nature trails. So if you have an idea to breathe new life into your community, don't delay and apply today!"

Vicky Entwistle, who plays Coronation Street's Janice Battersby, said: "The People's Millions gives people across the UK a fantastic opportunity to get Lottery money for their community and ITV viewers will play a big role in deciding who deserves the cash in the on-air contest later this year.

"People's Millions has already given cash to projects that have transformed communities and made dreams a reality, but you have to be in it to win it, so everyone needs to make sure they apply!"