NEW figures released by the National Lottery revealed charities and good causes in Dudley received £1,077,161 last year.

There were 17 Lottery grants given out, providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.

The biggest winners were Headway Black Country, which clinched £375,737.

The community outreach service, based in Martin Hill St, provides support, advice, information and rehabilitation activities for adult brain injury survivors.

The cash boost will help the charity continue to support for survivors and their families in the early stages after injury and at times of transition or crisis.

It will also provide further support with day to day living to help families fully understand and cope with the effects of the injury.

A spokesman for the charity said: "This is a major boost for the work of Headway Black Country. It will enable us to keep existing services running while expanding activities and developing new services."

Other grants included £304,816 to the Sedgley sight loss charity, Beacon Centre, to continue a project to re-enable those living with a visual impairment to acquire the skills and confidence needed to live independently.

Woodside Community Association was given £9,550 to fund day trips and entertainment for older people, as well as run a drop in IT learning group.

Brierley Hill Primary School was awarded £10,000 to install a canopy to increase access to outdoor activities and Central Netherton Tenants and Residents Association was also given £10,000 to run a weekly employability and citizens advice support day.