A Sunderland man has been named as the presenter of a new TV mini-series connected to the National Lottery.
Following a talent search throughout the city to find a budding young presenter, Josh Wilkinson, from Barnes, has been selected to co-host the series with an as-yet-to-be-announced local celebrity.
And Josh has already got stuck in, touring Sunderland with a camera crew and interviewing locals. Several episodes of the as-yet-to-be-broadcast series have already been recorded and all the indications are that Josh is adapting to his new role brilliantly.
The series focuses on how inspirational local people can do amazing things with National Lottery funding.
Last year, the National Lottery invested over £15 million in Sunderland-based projects. Since 1994, over 1,800 local initiatives have benefitted from Lottery help, making a difference to thousands of people’s lives.
The Lottery contributed £3.8 million towards the rejuvenation of Sunderland Winter Gardens, helping to create a tropical oasis right in the middle of Sunderland. Money has also been granted to the University of Sunderland’s National Glass Centre, boosting the city’s cultural profile.
As well as presenting the series, Josh Wilkinson will also undertake a two-week paid internship at Metro Radio. Josh will be mentored by the presenters, assist the production team, and help with preparing scripts, researching stories and welcoming guests. The internship may also give him the chance to present live on air.
Josh Wilkinson said, “I’m incredibly excited to be involved with the National Lottery on this project!”
“I’ve learned so much about the great schemes the National Lottery has helped to fund in my local area of Sunderland. It’s awesome to see it tackle some of the issues the region faces.”
“Together, this mini-series and more awareness of the National Lottery’s work in Sunderland will really help the city thrive and become as good as it can be.”
“Not only do I get the chance to co-present the mini-series, but the two-week placement at Metro Radio could really help me on the way to a broadcasting career.”
Jonathon Tuchner from the National Lottery said, “We’re delighted to have selected Josh Wilkinson to be the presenter of our online mini-series that will shine a spotlight on where National Lottery funding goes in Sunderland.”
“From the many entrants who applied, Josh captivated us with his confidence and impressive storytelling.”
“Josh also demonstrated his passion for Sunderland and showed a genuine interest in helping to celebrate and champion the people at the heart of National-Lottery-funded local projects, which is hugely important to us.”
The National Lottery raises over £30 million each week, which is spent on projects across the UK. To find out more about how the Lottery funds good causes in your area, please go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.
You can also learn about the Lottery’s funding of good causes on Twitter here and on Facebook here.
(This article’s featured image shows Josh Wilkinson.)
