Community projects across the Thames Valley have benefitted from a £200,000 fund.

The £200,551, seized from criminals, was awarded to 43 organisations by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

The successful groups were chosen from more than 180 applicants, who collectively requested more than £1.4 million.

The chosen organisations received funding between £500 and £7,000 each.

PCC Matthew Barber said: "I’m pleased to be able to award this funding – taken from criminals by our hard-working officers – and put it back into our fight against crime.

"These organisations know their communities, engage with local policing teams and work to protect people and address local concerns.

"It’s even better knowing we’re using money taken from criminals to support projects that will really benefit local residents."

He added that the funding would benefit communities in various ways, including providing interventions to aid prison leavers, reduce reoffending, support victims of domestic abuse, and steer young people away from crime.

Jason Hogg, chief constable for Thames Valley Police, said: "Alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, I am pleased to be able to award over £200,000 of funding to 43 voluntary and community groups in the second round of this year’s Community Fund.

"This funding will ensure community and voluntary organisations can continue to run projects that play an important role in preventing crime and protecting our communities."

The successful organisations have been invited to a presentation event in Buckinghamshire on October 31.

The full list of organisations awarded funding is available in the Community Fund Decision Paper.