Cheshire Constabulary is set to donate a total of £50,000 to six local charities.

As part of the Cheshire Constabulary in the community Christmas initiative, Chief Constable Mark Roberts is spreading the Christmas cheer by donating a share of £50,000 to six Cheshire charities. 

The money comes from funds recovered under the Police Property Act and will go directly to supporting the communities the Constabulary serves. 

The Police Property Act is a law that allows police forces to sell unclaimed or abandoned property that has been seized during police operations or investigations.

The act provides a way for police forces to deal with property that is no longer needed as evidence, or property that has been found but not claimed by its rightful owner within a reasonable period.

Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "The countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway and, in the spirit of the season, we are looking to spread some festive cheer by giving back to the people of Cheshire that we serve day in day out, 365 days a year. 

"Over the course of this week, we will be presenting six worthy causes with a share of the £50k to help them continue with their efforts in making Cheshire a better place for everyone who lives, works and visits here." 

Youth Fed is one such charity and last week representatives were presented with a cheque for £6,700 by Superintendent Michael Ankers, Head of the Western Local Policing Unit, on behalf of the Chief Constable. 

With offices across Cheshire, Halton, St Helens and the Wirral, Youth Fed supports over 5,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 29 in Cheshire and Merseyside, helping to improve their lives through celebrating them and delivering engaging activities. 

Their work helps to enable young people to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. 

This includes helping them through recreational and curriculum-enriching activities and supporting their developmental skills.

Kevin Bradburne, Director of Operations for Youth Fed, who says the funding will help deliver impactful programmes (Image via: Cheshire Constabulary)

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "The work of Youth Fed empowers our young people, some of whom may not have had the best start to their lives, to secure opportunities such as further education or employment.

"Their work is essential in protecting their futures and enhancing their prospects for a brighter life. 

"Their work also helps our officers, by providing activities to the children and young people of Cheshire, they are given an alternative to embracing crime, whether low-level anti-social behaviour or something more serious.

"Providing our county's young people with opportunities and activities that support their overall growth and development is crucial to ensure that they have a chance to be the best version of themselves, which is why I am thrilled to make this donation to Youth Fed on behalf of the Constabulary."

Kevin Bradburne, director of operations for Youth Fed, added: "Youth Fed are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from Cheshire Constabulary and Chief Constable Roberts.

"This funding will play a vital role in supporting young people across our region, enabling us to deliver impactful programmes that empower them to overcome challenges, develop essential skills, and make positive life choices. 

"By providing opportunities and support, we can help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, creating safer communities for everyone.

"For over 70 years, Youth Fed has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, and this donation ensures we can continue to drive that mission forward." 

More information can be found on the Youth Fed website here.