KIND hearted police officers have made a £4,800 donation to boost the work of charities and good causes across the area.

The North Yorkshire Police officers and Police Community Support Officers have each given £300 to a good cause.

The 16 staff chosen to make the awards were the winning Safer Neighbourhood Officers of the year from 2008.

Amongst the groups given funds from the Police Property Act Fund is the Bedale Youth Venue.

The Police Property Act Fund creates money by the force selling goods that it has confiscated by an order of court.

Sue Cross, the force’s assistant chief constable, said: "This week sees the winners making donations to their chosen charities and projects.

"I know from meeting last year’s winners that they all have a passion for their roles and the opportunity for them to give something back to a good cause is something they really appreciate."

The hunt is now on to name the Safer Neighbourhood Officers of the year 2009 with each of the force’s 17 Safer Neighbourhood Teams will put forward one officer.

This list will be reduced to a short-list of eight for each category and the winners named in November.

The public can also nominate officers, with a deadline of May 4, by calling 0845-6060-247 to request a form or by visiting www.northyorkshire.police.uk.