A Lottery windfall for one of the country's unluckiest areas will fund a huge programme of activities, from youth clubs to art classes.

Heston West was awarded £1m after being identified as one of the areas to have received the least Lottery funding over the years.

The first £168,000 of that money has now been released to finance an action-packed schedule of events chosen by local residents and coordinated by the Heston West Community Partnership (HWCP).

Youth clubs, fitness classes, over 50s yoga, days trips for people young and old, and drama, dance and art classes are just some of the activities being funded over the next year using the Big Local money from the Big Lottery Fund.

HWCP chairman Alan Fraser, who is the assistant headteacher at Cranford Community College, said: "It is fantastic that we are going to have the opportunity to work together as a community to make a real difference. I would like to say a big thank you to all those people who have supported HWCP over the years."

The local charity Groundwork South will administer the grant funding, appointing a community development project manager to oversee the programme and help locals decide how the remainder of the cash is spent during the coming decade.

To celebrate the programme and let residents know what's available, the following launch parties are being held:

  • Saturday September 12, 1pm-3pm: Brabazon estate green
  • Sunday September 13, 1pm-3pm: Harlech Gardens and the Redwood estate

As well as finding out what's already planned, visitors will be able to say how they think the remainder of the cash should be spent.

There will also be food stalls, arts and craft sessions, children's play activities, football with staff from QPR, and music and dance performances on both days.

Consultation by HWCP had shown local residents' wanted the funding to be prioritised on improving community engagement, community development, health and wellbeing, and skills, training and education.

Diana Nkutha, who lives in the ward and is an HWCP board member, said: "I'm so excited about the arrival of this funding! It's been a long process but it's fantastic that the funding is finally here and the people of Heston can really start to benefit from activities and services they've asked for."