CASH seized from criminals has been used to fund a youth club.

Youngsters from the Wharton estate in Winsford enjoyed a series of activities over the summer holidays from dance lessons to beat box sessions.

This was made possible thanks to funding from police and crime commissioner John Dwyer’s Community Cashback Fund, which sees money seized from criminals invested back into the community.

Mr Dwyer said: “It was a pleasure to visit Winsford Youth and Community Forum, and see all the enthusiasm young people had for the summer activities.

“By providing activities like these to give young people a positive way to channel their energy, it can reduce incidences of anti-social behaviour.

“In my Police and Crime Plan, I make it clear that I am committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, but it takes a collaborative approach like this one with the Youth Federation and Winsford Youth and Community Forum.

“I’m glad the Community Cashback Fund can go a long way in helping our communities run worthwhile projects such as these.”

Winsford Youth and Community Forum executive director, Debbie Cragg, added: “The holiday activities proved to be a hit amongst the young people of Wharton.

“It's great that children and young people had something to look forward to during the summer, especially as the activities delivered were free thanks to the funding through the police commissioner.”

The activities, open to eight-to-11-year-olds, also included a variety of arts and crafts.

In the final week of the holidays youngsters could take part ins various sports activities and had the chance to play video games in a ‘tech truck’ outside Wharton Library.

Youth Federation training coordinator and mental health support worker, Michael Jones, said: “To see local young people come out and spend an afternoon having fun and learning in a safe environment was a joy.

"You could really tell by the smiles on their faces, the difference it made for them.”