PROJECTS which help prevent crime or tackle anti-social behaviour are being invited to apply for cash from the county's police, fire and crime commissioner.

Roger Hirst's Community Safety Development Fund awarded £300,000 to 30 organisations across Essex in the last financial year.

Organisations have to show they support the police and crime plan priorities to qualify for a chance to receive money.

Mr Hirst said: “Across Essex we have a huge number of voluntary and community groups helping to build safe and secure communities.

"These local groups working within their communities and solving local problems make a vital contribution and deserve to be supported.

“Empowering local communities, supporting innovation and rewarding those groups that achieve practical results at a grass roots level is an important way to keep our county safe and our communities strong and resilient.”

To apply go to essex.pfcc.police.uk. Applications close on June 30.