Police charity hands £50,000 over to community groups

The force's Community Trust presented 35 groups from around the county with funding to help them to continue with projects and activities that they set up to tackle the issues that are important to them.

Money for the grants has been obtained by seizing the assets of criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act. West Yorkshire's Chief Constable, Sir Norman Bettison, was on hand to present each group with their cheques.

A presentation ceremony at South Leeds Academy also recognised the work carried out by young people.

Sir Norman awarded cheques to the three winning projects that had the most imaginative and inspiring ways to help improve their local areas.

Chairman of the Community Trust, Allison Bainbridge, said: "All those that have been awarded today have made a tremendous effort in helping the police and partners reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and I am delighted to be able to reward them for all their hard work and dedication."

The first prize of 1,000 went to Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley.

Pupils produced a short film in an attempt to curb the negative perceptions of young people.

A local survey was carried out which found that older residents had "misconceptions" about the behaviour of local school children, said a police spokesman. The DVD is being shown locally.

Second prize, 750, went to BullyBusters at Minsthorpe School. A webpage was planned to help combat the fear of bullying to the new students arriving in September.

The group gave the new Year 7 pupils a presentation with top tips on surviving the first term.

Third prize, 500, went to Fartown High School, Huddersfield, which is helping to break down barriers between elderly people and school children.

Pupils have created a new garden and invited elderly people to enjoy it.

Small grants went to a range of organisations, schools, voluntary groups and good causes.

In Halifax, the Boothtown Rascals got 1,500 towards their work teaching children martial arts.