THANET is to get a "fair share" of lottery money as part of a scheme to help deprived areas get their fair share of funding. It is one of 51 areas in the country to benefit from £169 million that will be distributed by the joint Community Fund and New Opportunities Fund.

Thanet South MP Stephen Ladyman said he was delighted. He said: “It is an excellent initiative. I have been pressing for national lottery assistance for areas such as Thanet which have not been getting their fair share of funding.

“Now we need to ensure that the money goes on projects that make sense to the area, and that will drive us forward.”

North Thanet MP Roger Gale said it is important for people to come forward with projects for the funding. He said: "People have been reluctant to come forward because it takes a bit of expertise to put together a bid. If you do have any good ideas, don’t be shy - tell us.

“For example, I can think of at least one primary school which is trying to get a playing field. That is exactly the sort of project that ought to be funded.”

The exact amount of money that Thanet will receive has yet to be announced.