Just over £45,000 of vital funding has been given to a group working with victims of sexual violence and abuse in Bradford.

Justice Minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe announced grants totalling £1.25 million from the Victims Fund.

Bradford Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Survivors Service was one project to benefit - for the second year in a row.

It is part of the Government's drive to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.

For the first time the money comes directly from the Victims Surcharge, which is payable by criminals on top of court fines.

Mr Sutcliffe said: "Sexual violence and abuse is a despicable crime leaving its victims with severe physical and emotional damage and often a reluctance to report or seek justice.

"These projects play a vital role offering the support and advice to victims, helping them through the difficult recovery stage and easing their way through the criminal justice process.

"We need to invest in the victims and put them at the heart of the criminal justice system and I am delighted to announce this year's grant of £1.25million to these projects that offer hope and help to the victims of this abhorrent crime."

Jackie Hancox, a co-ordinator of the Bradford group, said: "The money from the Victims Fund will particularly support our work with black women, refugees and asylum seekers and will also strengthen out core work.

"We are delighted to receive this funding which will help us continue to improve our services to women and girls in the Bradford district."

The service received £30,000 from the Government last year to work in partnership with domestic violence agencies and a Primary Care Centre to provide free, specialist counselling for women survivors of sexual violence.

The funding also helped to develop training material for use by staff providing direct support to victims.