Pavilion: in it to win it

National Lottery judges placed the Pavilion in the country's top ten arts projects when they announced the shortlist for their annual awards last week.

Now, Emma Morris, deputy director of the Pavilion, is urging residents to cast their vote for Bexhill, and send the Pavilion through to the final three in the Best Arts Project category.

"We're really hoping the public gets behind us and votes for us," she said. "It would be great to get national recognition for the Pavilion."

The National Lottery awards ask the public to vote for their favourite lottery-funded project each year. Last year's arts winner was Sefton Performing Arts and Creative Education Centre, Merseyside.

The 6million grant, given to the Pavilion in 2002 by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council, was a crucial chunk of the building's 9million refurbishment which took place from 2004-5.

Voting for the semi-finalists started on Tuesday, and runs until midday on Friday, June 18. To vote for the Pavilion, you can ring 0844 6861825, or visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards.

After June 18, the three projects with the most votes go through to the final round.

The winners in each of the seven categories can look forward to national recognition on a BBC 1 show, usually in September, and a 2,000 cash boost for their coffers.

Speaking about why she thought the Pavilion deserved to win, Emma said: "In the past five years we have become a major tourist attraction and had a significant impact on the local economy.

"More than that, we have become a valuable resource that is regularly used by our community."

A lottery spokesperson said: "The National Lottery Awards recognise the difference that Lottery-funded projects '“ both big and small '“ make to local communities, and celebrate the achievements of the people behind them.

"Thanks to Lottery funding, the Pavilion is an exciting and innovative contemporary arts venue with a full programme of exhibitions, live music and educational activities."