TWO Keighley community organisations have received a funding boost.

The Joint Activities & Motor Education Service (JAMES) and Sangat Centre were both awarded Government cash in the Budget.

JAMES has received £121,670 to carry out a range of renovation work to its premises.

The organisation was founded in the 1980s in response to high reoffending rates amongst youngsters.

It works with disadvantaged young people aged eight to 21 on various programmes in Keighley, Bradford and Shipley.

Participants may be struggling in mainstream education, or at risk of exclusion from school.

It offers 'alternative education' schemes, such as personal and social development and motor mechanics, and runs a Positive Futures initiative, Girl Empower project – to boost girls' self-confidence and aspirations – and operates work schemes on canal boats.

Last year, JAMES supported more than 700 young people in Keighley.

The £140,500 awarded to the Sangat Centre is to help the organisation carry out essential work at its Marlborough Street premises and complete a refurbishment programme.

Redevelopment of the centre will enable the association to continue to offer elderly day provision, youth activities, holiday playschemes and other services.

The two Keighley projects are among nearly 100 across the UK to receive funding.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore welcomed the cash awards, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his Budget statement.

"This funding will go a long way in ensuring that both JAMES and the Sangat Centre – two fantastic community organisations – continue to make our town a better place in which to live for years to come," he said.

"It was fantastic to meet with JAMES earlier this year to offer my support in its bid for the regeneration of its Keighley base, at the old tramshed. I hope that this announcement will give the hardworking team at JAMES the resources it needs to continue to make a real difference to young adults and families in our community.

"The Sangat Centre provides vital services for our community including social day care, adult educational opportunities and youth clubs, and this funding will mean that the Sangat Community Association can provide these services at an improved and refurbished premises.

"Both organisations have my full support as these projects get underway."

Last year JAMES was granted £5,437 from the Safer Communities Fund, which distributes cash seized from criminals, for sessions on a canal narrowboat. The fund is managed by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin.