A £1 million Lottery windfall for one of the country's unluckiest neighbourhoods is finally paying dividends.

The huge sum was awarded to the community of Heston West in the borough of Hounslow in 2011 after it emerged the area had received less Lottery funding than almost anywhere in the UK.

After four years spent deliberating what to do with the Big Local Lottery cash, it was finally put to use this autumn when a busy programme of free events was launched .

Cookery lessons, a sewing and knitting group and sports sessions are just some of the weekly activities taking place at Brabazon Community Centre or nearby Cranford Community College. A School of Rock was also recently set up for aspiring musicians in the area.

More than 100 people attended Diwali celebrations last month organised by the Heston West Community Partnership (HWCP), the group set up to decide how to spend the money, and a Christmas party is planned for next Saturday (December 12).

Taz Virdee, of the charity Groundwork South, which is managing the project, said he is still trying to get the word about about the wealth of free events on people's doorsteps.

"Close-knit community"

Some activities, like the sewing and knitting group, had proved extremely popular, he explained, but the number of children attending the weekend sports sessions had been disappointing.

"At the moment it's all about letting people know about the different activities we're offering, some of which are already very well attended," he said.

"I've met lots of new faces in the last few weeks and it seems like a very close-knit community. People here really feel they're part of something."

Local supporters of the Heston West Community Partnership

The funding is due to be spread over the next 10 years and it is hoped members of the community will then have the necessary know-how to keep the activities going.

It's the public's money so anyone in the area is invited to suggest events they would like to see.

One big success story so far has been a history project. It sparked such interest that residents are now working on a booklet celebrating the aeronautical heritage of the neighbourhood, which was home to Heston Airport and where many streets are named after old aircraft.

Healthy cooking classes

I dropped in on a Friday cookery and nutrition workshop run by Rodgers Orero, of the Riana Development Network.

Participants are taught how to eat well for less, before putting into practice what they learn by rustling up a meal, with each week focusing on a different country's cuisine.

"We want to show people how they can cook healthily on a budget. We have sessions on things like food labelling, which can be very confusing, to help people understand better what they're buying," explains Mr Orero.

The weekly cookery class, with Maxwell Omondi pictured in the centre at the back

Some people attend the seven-week course in search of kitchen inspiration but for others it has proved a useful step on the career ladder, with a number of people having gone on to get food hygiene certificates and secure jobs in the catering world.

Maxwell Omondi, who comes all the way from Chiswick to take part, says it has helped him become more creative in the kitchen.

"I help out with cooking at home, so my parents are seeing the benefits," says the 16-year-old.

"I've learned lots of new dishes, like a herby lentil curry and a cheat's pizza made using pitta bread, tomato and cheese."

* For more information about upcoming events organised by Heston West Community Partnership, visit the website .