VIDEO: Wait's nearly over for Harlow's lottery award hopefuls

THE nail-biting moment when a Harlow performing arts charity finally finds out if it has won a National Lottery award will be televised live on Saturday.

Razed Roof members in rehearsals

Razed Roof, an inclusive drama group for people with and without learning difficulties, is the only organisation in Essex to have made it through to the finals of the national competition which celebrates the achievements of the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

The group was first shortlisted in June  for its Inclusion Through Practise project which used a £10,000 Lottery grant to help people with severe learning difficulties put on a specially adapted production of Billy Elliot at The Playhouse.

A short film about Razed Roof’s work will be featured during Saturday’s show which starts at 9.30pm on BBC1. Group chairman Professor Peter Lines, artistic director Ann-ette Lidster and members Emma Hutchin and Clifford Ellis are attending the event.

The rest of the group will be watching the results together at a special party at The Playhouse.

“We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support we have received during the public voting, not only from our local community in Harlow but also from friends and supporters all over the country,” said Annette.

“Every member of the group has been canvassing with a passion and we have enjoyed every moment of sharing our achievements with others.

“Given all the amazing projects being supported by the National Lottery, it is a privilege to have got through to the final of the awards.”

She added: “It is thanks to the Lottery funding that our project has happened and it would be the icing on the cake for our staff, volunteers and supporters to receive national recognition for the positive impact they make.”

The winning project will be presented with an award  and a £2,000 cash prize by show host Myleen Klass.