BRADFORD charities and support groups have received more than a quarter of a £217,000 special fund pot.

The Safer Communities Fund was shared between 42 groups, with an awards event held at the Thornbury Centre, Bradford, on Thursday evening.

There were 10 Bradford charities and groups that benefited, to the tune of £56,710.10 in total.

Bradford Cyrenians, Crimestoppers Trust and The Creative Butterfly Project all received £6000 each.

This highlights that the fund supports a variety of different projects - from helping the homeless, to aiding the prevention of crime.

The fund, set up in 2014 by West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson, returns money recovered from criminals - under the Proceeds of Crime Act - back to communities.

Bradford Cyrenians provides support for homeless men, those fleeing domestic abuse and offers a housing service for ex-offenders.

Currently the project manages 10 flats and the grant will help towards reaching more individuals in need.

The Crimestoppers Trust is aiming to raise awareness of its presence in key areas of Bradford and Keighley.

Grassroots organisation, The Butterfly Project, empowers women through art-based activities and its current project - The Lioness - focuses on the theme of women protecting their young against the odds.

Bradford Street Angels also received a bumper handout of £5733 at the event.

The main theme for this round of grants (the 16th) was on projects tackling drugs and alcohol misuse or supporting young people.

The Street Angels tick all those boxes and more.

They actively patrol the streets of Bradford looking out for those in need, or who are vulnerable.

This could be anyone, from children on the streets late at night, to those feeling unwell.

The grant will provide radios for the workers and pay the rent to keep their new premises open during patrol hours.

Mrs. Lorraine Betts, joint chair of Bradford Street Angels, said: "We are thrilled to receive this Safer Communities Grant because it means we can continue to patrol in the city centre, now we have funding to pay rent for a base in the heart of Bradford’s nightlife.

"It is exciting that we will be able to expand our work and have a warm, safe place where vulnerable people can be welcomed and helped."

A wide variety of region-wide projects and services also received funds, including West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (£5000), West Yorkshire Police Corporate Communications Representatives (£6000) and Collaborate Digital Media CIC (£5758.60).

Other Bradford groups to benefit from the grants are: Brathay Trust (£4,400), e:merge (£5850), Hope Housing (£5928), STAR Youth Project KLY (£5050), and Total Insight Theatre (£5990.50).

The next round of the Safer Communities Fund opens for application on Monday, October 7.

More information can be found at: westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-communities-fund.aspx or on 01924 294000.