COMMUNITY groups across the Keighley district are once again being invited to bid for a slice of cash seized from criminals.

West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin has launched the latest round of Safer Communities Fund grants.

Groups can apply for up to £8,000 towards projects, based on the theme Supporting Victims and Witnesses.

The fund distributes to community good causes money recovered by the police and prosecutors from criminal activities.

Under the mayor's 'stewardship', over £1 million has been given away.

Beneficiaries locally from the last round of funding included Oakworth Youth Project, which was awarded £4,700.

The venture, which includes Bradford Council and the police, provides a safe and warm space for young people.

A spokesperson said: "The funding will allow for 20 sessions, including activities designed in conjunction with the young people, giving them ownership and empowerment.

"The sessions will include activities such as cooking, to enable the young people to prepare and cook inexpensive and nutritious meals with take-home recipes.

"Sessions will also work on creating and developing ideas for summer activities, leading to sports and activity camps using local outdoor recreation spaces, and work to support young people with the transition between primary and secondary schools."

Other recipients included the Good Shepherd Centre, which was awarded £8,000 for a Safer Neighbour Hub.

And amongst groups to benefit previously was the Cougarmania Foundation, which was awarded £2,125 for a project supporting the "empowerment" of young women and girls.

In the latest grants allocation, a total of £350,000 is up for grabs.

Ms Brabin says: "We’re determined to create a safer, fairer West Yorkshire and have invested over £1 million of money seized from criminal activities back into our communities as part of that.

"Our Safer Communities Fund is backing brilliant projects across the region.

"If you have an idea for a project, we want to hear from you."

West Yorkshire Police chief constable, John Robins, says: "We welcome this latest round of the mayor’s Safer Communities Fund.

"Our officers and staff work hard to ensure that criminals are not profiting from their activities.

"It is heartening to see that in this round of funding, the money that has been taken from criminals is being invested into projects that support victims and witnesses."

For further information about the fund, including details of how to apply, visit westyorks-ca.gov.uk/mscf.

Closing date for applications in the latest round is June 9.