Youth groups are being invited to apply for a share of a £40,000 fund to help Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright divert youngsters away from crime.

Sir Graham’s Youth Fund is available to organisations that support his Police and Crime Plan pledges to tackle crime and disorder and promote activities which motivate young people to avoid criminal behaviour.

Grants of up to £2,000 are available to charities and community groups through the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.

Sir Graham said: “We must not underestimate the power of local grassroots projects in transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people.

“These diversionary activities not only provide an immediate solution to anti-social behaviour and crime by providing an alternative focus for their attention but they also help to motivate young people in the longer term by increasing their skills, confidence and employment prospects.

“Hundreds of youngsters have already benefited from the funding and I’m determined to help even more young people channel their energies into productive activities which increase self-esteem and benefit the community.

“The volunteers who run these projects give their time freely to help young people carve a better future and it’s important that they receive the financial support they need to keep up the good work.

“I hope that many more organisations apply for funding this year to help us secure a better future for young people.”

Diversionary projects including the Garage Community Trust in Stretham have benefited from the fund since its launch. It received a grant to engage six young people in a ‘bike maintenance and repair’ project.

Waterlees Youth Service Providers CIC also won funding towards the running of a drop-in project at Community House in Waterlees, Wisbech.