A FUND set up on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, has awarded up to £3,000 to nine charities including the Salisbury Street Pastors.

The fund, managed by Wiltshire Community Foundation, is aimed at helping local groups address crime and anti-social behaviour.

Under the Police Property Act, cash or assets seized from a suspect in a police operation and is unclaimed for more than a year can be used for such a fund.

The Salisbury Street Pastors are trained volunteers who patrol the streets of Salisbury from 10pm to 4am on a Friday or Saturday night to care for, listen to and help people who are thought to be vulnerable.

Mr Angus Macpherson said: “It is an honour to be on the Community Foundation committee that decides which charities and organisations the money is awarded to. Reading the stories and backgrounds of all those who applied just shows how many people care and want to help their communities in Wiltshire and Swindon.

“A total of £25,000 has been awarded to small organisations that have made a real difference in their local community and for areas that are in greatest need of support. I am looking forward to meeting the recipients and to see how they have benefited from the grants.”

There will be another round of grants to be awarded shortly, to find out more visit www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant.