COMMUNITY groups are celebrating after being given cash recovered from criminals.

Hundreds of people flocked to a special presentation at Westhoughton High School to see who would benefit from the police funding pot.

Twelve community groups successfully won a slice of the £15,000 fund after competing in a Dragon's Den style pitch.

A total of 23 groups spoke for three minutes to police and the public about what they would do if they were allocated the money. It was then left to the 225-strong audience to pick their favourites, with the money then allocated to their top 12.

PCSO Mark Flannery said: "The event was a huge success. The ages of those pitching their projects ranged from three to 92 and covered a multitude of activities designed at making communities stronger.

"The police were also able to raise the awareness of organised crime gangs and how strong community links can tackle the problems they pose.

"225 residents attended on the day and all wish for a repeat of the event as it allowed them to interact not only with the police in a different way but also to understand the strengths and skills that lie within their own community.

"No one went away disappointed as by showcasing their groups they developed new links within the community which benefited them as much as a cash prize."

The cash was offered up to groups in Westhoughton as part of a participatory budgeting event, using cash recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

The group with the most votes was the Westhoughton Age Support Project, who were allocated £1,500.

That sum was also granted to Tots and Toddlers, Washacre FM, Washacre Primary School, Westhoughton Rotary Club, Friday Night Fever Youth Club, Friends of Eatock Lodge and St Bartholomew's School.

Meanwhile Westhoughton Methodist Church were successful in winning a £1,100 grant and The Rainbow Craft were given £700, Westhoughton Community Queens got £800 and The Bethel Crowd won £370.

Entertainment was provided by a group of local musicians called The Travelling Strings, while police were grateful to local shops for donating refreshments and raffle prizes.