The National Lottery has announced a new £600 million fund to help projects hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Charities and other organisations including arts groups and sports clubs will be aided by the fund, which seeks to support some of the vulnerable people in the country.

Other causes that will be boosted by the lottery money include programs that combat loneliness and isolation during the lockdown, provide support for the elderly and projects that support physical and mental health in the community.

The extensive funding packages span the arts, community and charity, heritage, education, environment and sports sectors.

Up to £300 million from The National Lottery Community Fund over the next six months will be going to UK-wide to groups best placed to support people and communities amid the pandemic.

A £50 million Emergency Fund from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will address immediate pressures in the heritage sector over the next four months and provide increased investment in essential digital skills.

Sport England announced that £157 million of National Lottery funding would go towards a response package to support the sport and physical activity sector.

This includes organisations experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations.

It has also launched ‘Join the Movement’, a National Lottery funded consumer campaign, backed by TV advertising to encourage people to stay active at home and share experiences on social media.