TWO community projects which aim to make Worcestershire a better place to live are to compete for £50,000 from the Big Lottery Fund on television.

Making An Entrance, a plan to renovate St Mary's Hall in Northfield Street, the Arboretum, Worcester, and Wych Barge Is Best, a reconstruction of a life-size Wych Barge in Vines Park, Droitwich, are among eight projects in the final of the People's Millions contest.

The schemes will all be showcased on Central News from Monday, October 31, to Friday, November 4.

Viewers will have the chance to vote for their favourite community project through phone calls, text messages and online.

On Wednesday, November 2, Worcester Operatic And Dramatic Society (WODS) will be trying to convince people to vote to renovate St Mary's Hall, which it has owned since 1981.

The theatre group wants to open up and extend the entrance lobby to include a toilet for the disabled, a covered entrance with a ramp and handrails, and some minor landscaping.

"WODS now acknowledges the need to move forward and hopes for public support to fulfil its dream," project manager Brian Wyatt said.

"We want to make ourselves more accessible to those less physically able, provide opportunities through greater use of the hall and improve the appearance of the building."

On Tuesday, November 1, the Wych Barge Is Best project will set out its case for a lottery grant to voters.

Margaret Rowley, chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust, said Wych barges were built to take salt from the Vines area of Droitwich to the River Severn.

The static replica, based on dry land, will contain picnic benches and information about Droitwich Spa, its canals and the salt industry.

"The trust and other local community organisations have been involved in developing the concept, and children in particular will have fun exploring an important part of the history of their town in this way," Ms Rowley said.

The lottery cash winners will be announced on Central News on Friday, November 4.