Work to prevent crime and disorder will be boosted by grants offered by the West Yorkshire Police Community Trust.

The trust is inviting community and voluntary groups in Bradford and across the region to apply for grants of up to £2,500 from a total cash pot of £50,000.

Funded by seizing assets from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act, fundraising and private donations, it has distributed almost £800,000 to projects since it was established in 1996.

Groups which benefited from last year’s grants included Bradford Dragons Basketball Club, which received £1,440 to help deliver outdoor basketball taster sessions in parks and outdoor courts around Bingley, to try to attract more young people away from anti-social behaviour by becoming involved in sport.

Pudsey’s Greenside Community Centre was given £390 to provide elderly residents with increased security and entertainment over the Christmas period.

Bob Lewis, of the trust, said: “We are encouraging groups from across West Yorkshire to apply for a grant from the community trust.

“We have seen some great work and projects from previous applicants and we’re sure this will continue this year. The trust remains committed to funding these grants at a local level because of the valuable benefits that are achieved.

“It has supported hundreds of local community groups and small charities across West Yorkshire over the years, helping them to make a real difference to the lives of others.”

The deadline for applications is Friday, September 10, and all applications must state which priority they are addressing.

Applications must also be endorsed by an officer from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by mid October and receive their grants at an awards night in November.

To apply, call (01924) 292646.