The Kent Police and Crime Commissioner has pledged to give £100,000 to community led projects that help fight crime over the next financial year.

Ann Barnes said yesterday that she hopes to support hundreds of unique projects and each one will be able to apply for grants of up to £2,000.

Applications for the voluntary organisations and not-for-profit groups are now open, but to be eligible they must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Prevent and reduce re-offending

• Support victims of crime

• Empower local communities to work together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour

All grants will be reviewed by the Kent People’s Trust - a charity that aims to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

After this the final decision lies with Mrs Barnes but Kerry Boyd, the new youth commissioner, may also have a say.

Mrs Barnes said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be able to launch this grant scheme for local people. Local communities know their patch and they understand what needs to be done to make it a better place.

“I firmly believe that even a small investment will rally local people into playing their part in finding community solutions for local issues.

“I want people to be innovative and creative with their ideas and I’m really looking forward to giving local communities a cash injection."

Bryn Price, Director of Kent People’s Trust said: “The charity has over 12 years of experience in community grants and we are really delighted to have been asked to provide our expertise as part of this new exciting project.

“Both the charity and the Commissioner have one common aim and that’s to make Kent a safer place.”

Applications will be accepted throughout the year.

Full terms and conditions and information on how to apply can be found here.