A NEW food bank is not only feeding the poor but also keeping the streets clear of crime.

Bolton Community Kitchen now reaches 50 of the town's most struggling people every Tuesday at the YMCA building in Deansgate.

The group has been so effective in giving recipients a square meal, shower and change of clothes, that police have noticed a drop in crimes such as theft on those evenings, particularly in Queens Park.

Officers were so impressed they gave the group £2,500 after it had applied for a slice of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) cash offered up to the community.

Sharon Ashworth, who set up the group, said: "We had a lot of rough sleepers last year in Queen's Park and a lot of crime in that area.

"By going out and feeding them on a Tuesday the crime rate dropped, the police said, as they were not out stealing.

"Having such positive feedback from other bodies is fantastic."

As well as a hot meal and packed lunch to take away, visitors to the YMCA from 7pm to 9pm open Tuesdays also have access to suitcases of clean clothes and toiletries.

Ms Ashworth added: "We have people come down and have a wash and they come out different people, which is brilliant to see.

"It is a simple thing but it changes people's mindset and self-esteem.

"We don't ask people about themselves. We ask for a name for fire safety purposes, but it doesn't have to be their real name.

"Everyone is welcome and we will sit and have a brew with people and win trust."

Bolton Community Kitchen will be celebrating its first anniversary on June 3, having increased its users from three on opening night to a peak of 78.

Ms Ashworth said: "There are a lot of reasons people need help.

"I think red tape is something to do with it.

"We have people say they can't claim benefits as you need a mobile phone to do so.

"I think if I was in that position I would expect somebody to help me."

Police offered up £50,000 for community groups to bid for, with the money handed out in February.

Det Chf Insp Jackson said: "It was particularly difficult to choose which groups to give funding to.

"We were inundated with in excess of 100 applications.

"We tried to spread the money far and wide in a way that would give the most back to the community.

"In particular, we looked favourably on projects that would help crime prevention, especially through youth engagement."