GROUPS and projects dedicated to diverting youngsters from crime have received cash grants from the police.

The grants - part of a sum totalling more than £35,000 - have been paid to 20 community groups from West Yorkshire Police's Community Trust.

Applications, on the theme of supporting young citizens, have been invited from projects involving children under 13-years-old that have helped prevent criminal behaviour.

This is the fifth round of grants from the Trust which has awarded more than £390,000 to projects which would not normally attract mainstream funding.

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn, who is one of the Community Trust's trustees, said: "These grants really do make a difference to local people and their communities.

"Each award is well deserved and I am pleased the Trust continues to support the hard work of such projects.

"By engaging our communities in crime prevention, group activities and community safety issues, we can really help to have a positive impact on people's lives." Award recipients include:

* Child Victims of Crime - £2,500 to provide support for young people across West Yorkshire who have suffered as the result of crime, either directly or indirectly.

* West Yorkshire Police Community Safety Department - £750 for the Christmas 2004 Safety with Santa scheme.

The scheme, aimed at 350 children aged between four and seven, takes children to visit Santa on a boat at Shepley Bridge Marina in Mirfield. They receive a gift along with personal safety and crime prevention advice.

* Huddersfield Plus Point - £1,240.

The project works with vulnerable young people aged between eight and 16 with behavioural and attention disorders, who are excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education.

The money will be used for its Information Technology Homework Club.

* Deighton Sports Council (Streetwise Activity Club and Playscheme) - £1,500.

This weekly activity club provides active fun sessions and arts and crafts as well as playschemes in the school holidays and trips out.

* Club 3.15 at Birkdale High School - £3,000.

The after-school club provides activities for young people in the Dewsbury Moor area.

* Almondbury Youth Project - £1,470.

The project encourages youngsters to use photography and arts to produce exhibitions.

* Calderdale Women's Centre - £2,500.

The centre provides support, information, advocacy and advice to children and young people affected by domestic violence.