A POLICE fund of £40,000 seized from criminals over the last year is set to be granted to community groups in North Wales.

The North Wales Police and Community Trust’s (PACT) annual grant scheme was set up to benefit volunteer initiatives that improve community safety and the quality of life of residents.

This year two applicants in each county in North Wales will receive £2,500, with £5,000 granted to two groups across the region. In Denbighshire, the three community groups shortlisted for the small sum include Denbigh gardening task force Denbigh in Bloom, which has been credited with boosting civic pride and reducing anti-social behaviour through the improvement of public spaces.

Meanwhile Cerrigydrudion Ffrindiau Cerrig Friends, which runs social activities in the village to combat loneliness, wants to fund a car share scheme that will involve volunteer drivers taking vulnerable people without transport to visit family, go to the shops and attend GP appointments.

The third applicant is All Afloat, which teaches children with a disability, in poverty or from a BAME group how to boat. Its upcoming project on Marine Lake in Rhyl from April to August for children from Rhyl aged eight to 11 to gain qualifications in sailing with qualified Royal Yachting Association instructors and volunteers.

Voting lines are now open until February 7.

To cast your vote, visit www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/your-community-your-choice/denbighshire-projects