LIVERPOOL. International Slavery Museum is celebrating reaching the finals of The National Lottery Awards 2009.

The museum is the only project in Liverpool and the North West in the Best Heritage Project category and is competing against just two other projects for the chance to win the award, decided by a public vote.

Richard Benjamin, head of the International Slavery Museum said: "To reach the final of The National Lottery Awards is a clear indication of the large amount of public support the International Slavery Museum receives. Our role as a campaigning museum, challenging contemporary issues such as racism and discrimination and working to raise awareness of the blight of contemporary slavery both in the UK and internationally, is clearly one that has a resonance with the public.

“It is a fantastic feeling to know we have that kind of support for the work that we do and my thanks go out to those who have already voted. I would urge people who support our work to pick up the phone or log on to vote for us in the final!”

Public voting is now open until midday on Friday 14 August. Votes can be made online by visiting the National Lottery Good Causes website: http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards/ and selecting the Best Heritage Project category, or by calling 0844 686 6957*

The National Lottery Awards are an annual search to find the UK ’s favourite Lottery funded projects, recognising the difference that those projects have made to people, places and communities all across the UK .