Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner has awarded almost £70,000 to local groups and organisations through his Community Action Fund (CAF).

CAF funding has been distributed to projects across Lancashire, helping groups tackle local concerns and deliver the Commissioner's key priorities.

In total, £69,225 was allocated within the last financial year, with 30 successful applications awarded grants of up to £2,500 for projects in their local communities.

These included the Artz Centre in Skelmersdale, Lancaster's Ridge Community Centre, Fylde Walking Football Club and the Opportunity Sports Foundation in Blackburn.

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: "Since launching CAF in 2013, grants that have been awarded have helped local groups make a real difference in communities across the county.

"Helping residents and volunteers deliver projects that keep their area safe and reduce crime is what CAF is all about, helping me my achieve my key priorities in my police and crime plan.

"Local people across Lancashire have great ideas that can help in their areas, and I'm looking forward to continuing to support projects through the action fund that make a positive impact in our communities."

Lisa Richardson, Director at EMUES UK CIC, who were one of the 30 successful applications, said: “Being able to utilise the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund played a key part in allowing us to deliver our project, which has made such a difference for young people in the area.

“The whole community can see the difference that projects such as this have made, and to see so many young people go on to become young leaders and ambassadors within our community has been a real testament to how positive these sessions have been.

"I would recommend the Commissioner's Action Fund to organisations and community groups who works to improve their neighbourhoods, with our project evidence that the funding can really make a difference."

For more details about the Community Action Fund, including funding criteria and how to apply, visit the CAF section of the Commissioners website http://www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/our...y-action-fund/ or call 01772 412796.