FUNDING is up for grabs for projects that help keep young people away from crime and stop them from dying on the roads.

West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion has launched two grant schemes aimed at supporting initiatives to keep young people safe.

One scheme will award funds to projects aimed at diverting 'at-risk' people aged between 13 and 16 away from crime.

The second is aimed at stopping young people from dying on the roads by making them safer drivers.

Between 2010 and 2015, about a third of all road collisions in the West Mercia area involved a 16 to 24-year-old and Mr Campion is hoping to reduce this figure by ensuring young people are more aware of the dangers involved in driving.

Mr Campion said: “By investing a comparatively small amount of money now and working with the community to provide the right positive engagement projects, we can prevent minor issues becoming bigger issues down the line.

"For both schemes, we have the opportunity to change the path for the young people in our communities – be it ensuring they have the right information to be able to make informed decisions when using the roads, or preventing them from getting into a cycle of offending.

“I am looking forward to seeing applications for proven, successful, innovative projects coming forward in the grant window.

"These grants will not be handouts though. I want to reassure our communities that there are structures in place to ensure this money will be allocated and used responsibly and I expect to see clear results for any investment.”

A total of £240,000 is available between the two schemes and organisations bidding for funding will be expected to demonstrate that their proposals will achieve the aims of the respective initiative, provide ongoing support and deliver best value for public money

There is no upper limit on the amount organisations may bid form but all applications received should have a minimum of 15 per cent match funding.

The deadline for applications for diversionary activities is Friday, March 3 at 5pm and the deadline for young driver safety is Thursday, March 16 at 5pm.

Full details about the schemes are available online at westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/about-your-pcc/pcc-grants-scheme.