One of Belfast's most famous landmarks has made it through to the UK final of The National Lottery Awards 2005, having been voted Northern Ireland's favourite

Lottery-funded project.

Divis and the Black Mountain was one of 48 Lottery-funded projects from across the UK up for the public vote. Around 23,000 votes have now whittled this down to 12 projects representing Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and nine English regions, which will now compete in the final round of the awards on November 4.

Up against Northern Ireland's representative in the 'Amazing Space Category' will be Ice Factor in Scotland and London's Shakespeare's Globe.

Commenting ahead of the final, Mike Dobson, National Trust Property Manager for Divis and the Black Mountain, said: "We are delighted that this amazing project has been short listed as a regional finalist. Divis and the Black Mountain is a very special space, which, thanks to HLF funding has been opened to the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland to literally 'go enjoy'.

"Securing this vast amount of open space forever for everyone‚ means that everyone can access the mountains and enjoy amazing views over the city and many areas of Northern

Ireland."

Over 200,000 National Lottery grants have been made to projects UK wide across the fields of arts, sport, heritage, charities, health, education and the environment.

Since the Lottery began in 1994, more than £582 million has been invested in Northern Ireland.

(MB/SP)