THE team behind the success of St Helens libraries' Cultural Hubs will feature in a TV awards ceremony tonight (September 12) as they celebrate being voted the nation's best arts project in this year's National Lottery Awards.

They will be joined on the red carpet by celebs including actor John Barrowman, singer Kimberly Wyatt and many of Team GB's Olympic heroes as they accept their honour in front of a star-studded audience.

Millions of TV viewers will hear about the project, which was recognised for its inspirational work using £249,600 of Lottery funding to run a series of arts, music and drama sessions in libraries for more than 4,000 people across St Helens.

A short film showing a visit from actor Ralf Little will also be shown on the programme, The National Lottery Stars 2016, which goes out at 10.45pm on BBC One.

Sue Williamson, head of libraries at St Helens, said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for us, we are thrilled to win this award. Participants in this project have helped us bring so much great art to people in St Helens through our libraries. It wouldn't have been possible without National Lottery funding, so I'd like to thank Lottery players."

Cultural Hubs beat off six other challengers in a public vote to win the best arts project. They will receive a £3,000 cash prize to spend on the project as well as a trophy.

John Barrowman, who presents the show for the seventh year, said: "The National Lottery Awards celebrate the UK's favourite Lottery-funded projects as voted for by the public.

"We have had a golden summer in 2016 with the success of Team GB. It is fitting that we carry on the celebrations by honouring other people and projects who are making a life-changing impact throughout the UK."

There are seven categories in the National Lottery Awards, reflecting the main areas of funding - arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary/charity.