ANOTHER stash of cash seized from criminals has been distributed to community projects across the region.

More than £166,000 was handed out in the latest round of grants from West Yorkshire's Safer Communities Fund.

Nearly 40 schemes shared the pot, financed with money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Since the fund – run by Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson – was launched four years ago, over £2.2m has now been given away.

More than 500 projects have benefited.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: "The Safer Communities Fund continues to provide money for vital community-based projects.

"I am delighted to support them and importantly see the very real impact they have in their communities and on the lives of those they help.

“The fund makes a real difference and I want to thank all the projects for the incredible work they do.

“I also thank West Yorkshire Police and prosecutors for taking this ill-gotten money away from criminals."

The next round of the fund opens on May 14, when £200,000 will be up for grabs.

For more details, visit westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-communities-fund.aspx.