KEIGHLEY schemes have received a boost thanks to money seized from criminals.

Town projects are amongst recipients in the latest round of grants from the Safer Communities Fund.

In total, £331,621 has been shared between 49 organisations in round four of the fund, which is administered by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin.

Beneficiaries include Hainworth Wood Community Centre, which has been awarded £7,500.

Provision at the centre currently includes a luncheon club, toddler group, computer IT, seated exercise, a community kitchen, a warm space facility, food bank projects and the distribution of weekly emergency parcels.

The grant will enable the centre to extend activities for eight-to-11-year-olds, with Saturday-morning sessions.

Another project to be given funding is Bradford Council Neighbourhoods Service's Reflect, Re-write, Re-claim.

An artist will help young people explore their feelings around the safety of parks and other public spaces.

Participants will create sculptures, carvings, drawings and photos to produce a 'story pole', which will be displayed at Cliffe Castle in Keighley.

The initiative has received £2,580.

The Safer Communities Fund distributes money, seized by the police and prosecutors from criminal activities, to worthy projects.

Since 2021, more than £1.3 million has been shared between 222 schemes.

Ms Brabin says: "We are working to create a safer, fairer West Yorkshire, free from crime.

"From healthy relationship workshops for young people, to therapeutic support for victims of knife crime, we’re supporting organisations that are making a real difference.

"This fund is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the tireless efforts of those who work to make our communities safer and stronger."

In the latest round of grants, each organisation received up to £8,000.

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable, John Robins, says: "I’m pleased that such worthy causes based in communities across the whole of West Yorkshire can be helped to thrive and provide vital support for the victims and witnesses of crime.

"This funding has been obtained from the efforts of West Yorkshire Police's officers and financial investigators who have worked diligently to ensure the seizure of ill-gotten cash, luxury assets and goods from criminals.

"It is satisfying to know that criminals are no longer profiting from their activities and that the money is now being put to good use."

The Safer Communities Fund helps projects that support the priorities of the region’s Police and Crime Plan.

For further information about the fund and the schemes it is helping, visit westyorks-ca.gov.uk/policing-and-crime/mayor-s-safer-communities-fund.