A High Bentham charity is £1,912 better off thanks to criminals’ cash seized under the Why should they? campaign.

Pioneer Project’s Creative Kitchen Garden made a successful bid for a slice of the £24,000 made available to community groups and charities by North Yorkshire Police and the Local Criminal Justice Board.

The cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Pioneer Projects will use the money to buy a market stall and marquee which the Kitchen Garden project will use to sell produce and provide extra space for activities.

Jay Haigh, of Pioneer Projects, said: “We are delighted that our bid was successful. The cash is a very welcome boost and will help us raise even more funds to help support our projects.

“Once we have the market stall and frame marquee in use, we will reach many more people through being able to run activities undercover and promote the work of the charity and the Creative Kitchen Garden project, at outside events, street markets and fairs.”

The cheque was presented by local Safer Neighbour-hood Inspector Kevin Franks and was followed by a lantern parade through the town. Inspector Franks and representatives of the Local Criminal Justice Board carried a lantern made for them by the charity. Inspector Franks said: “Criminals make law-abiding citizens’ lives a misery. It is great to be able to hit them where it hurts and give their ill-gotten gains back to charities such as Pioneer Projects who make such a difference to local people.”

The project offers disadvantaged and unemployed adults the opportunity to develop practical and social skills and gain work experience through making and selling craft and produce at local events and markets.