Hundreds of projects across Huddersfield have benefitted from donations over the 20 years of the National Lottery.

A total of £66 million has been handed out to 868 groups large and small across the district since the lottery started on November 19 1994.

The largest Lottery grant was the £5.7 million given towards construction of the Kirklees Stadium – now the John Smith’s Stadium – whilst the smallest grant was £550, which helped the Royal British Legion in Shepley hold a parade.

The first lottery grant for Huddersfield was £105,000 to support group Huddersfield Women’s Aid in 1995.

Lotto cash also went to Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre, Streetbikes CIC, Deighton Young People’s Centre and Greenhead Park.

The lottery has also changed the lives of individuals with 169 people in the town winning prizes of £50,000 or more. Fourteen people have become millionaires.

Among the local millionaires are Michael and Susan Crossland, of Mirfield, who scooped £1.2 million in 2008.

National Lottery spokesman Jackie O’Sullivan said: “In 20 years, the National Lottery has helped transform life in Huddersfield for the better, creating iconic cultural landmarks, empowering communities and developing world class sporting talent.

National Lottery funding has improved people’s health, preserved our rich heritage and created a better future for all.

“In addition to all the projects that have benefited, thousands of individuals across the UK have won life-changing prizes with 3,600 millionaires created to date.”