CASH seized from criminal activity in North Yorkshire is to put back into the community through projects nominated by the public.

Up to £4m of money seized from criminals will be put into a national Community Cashback fund, which will be used to support projects that work to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour.

In North Yorkshire, £95,000 has been made available for projects, which can be nominated using a dedicated website.

Successful bids will have to show how the local community is involved in suggesting the project, demonstrate good value for money and be related in some way to tackling crime locally.

This is the first time a portion of money recovered from criminals has been paid directly back into communities. Until now the money has been split between frontline services, such as the police and Government departments involved with the criminal justice system.

To find out more about the fund, visit:www.lcjb.cjsonline.gov.uk/northyorkshire or call 01904-731880.