CASH seized from criminals is being used in community projects tackling gun crime.
The scheme is part of the Government's drive to channel proceeds of crime into local anti-crime campaigns.
It means £250,000 is being made available to groups working in the areas worst affected by gun crime, particularly in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
In Kirklees, community safety officials hope to produce a video film warning about the dangers of guns.
And today Home Office minister Caroline Flint urged community groups across the country to apply for help in tackling gun crime.
The money will pay for local schemes, such as mentoring projects, activities to help young people break away from gang culture and work to support victims.
The Connected Fund was launched last May, with 54 local groups successfully bidding for cash.
Ms Flint said: "The fund gives support to individuals at the heart of communities, those who are working with young people at risk of being drawn into gun crime and people who are supporting victims.
"Their work is invaluable, as they can respond quickly and effectively to events on the ground."
Ms Flint went on: "There is great energy and drive at community level to deal with crime generally and gun crime in particular."
"We want to ensure that small community groups are not prevented from doing valuable work for the want of a small amount of money."
She added: "We have introduced tough new sentences for illegal possession of firearms, banned those airguns most often converted by criminals and banned replicas and airguns in public."
"Our work, with police and community groups, is having an impact on gun crime in worst-hit areas."
Groups wanting to apply for up to £5,000 have until November 12 to do so. For more information, write to the Gun Crime Team, Home Office, Fifth Floor, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AT.
