COMMUNITY groups throughout Gwent joined the Police and Crime Commissioner last night to celebrate £100,000 of shared funding awarded to help prevent crime.

Representatives from some of the 25 groups awarded funding through the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner's Partnership Fund met with Ian Johnston, the crime comissioner, at Llanhilleth Miners Institute near Abertillery.

One of the groups to receive funding are the BRFM, a community radio station based in Blaenau Gwent, who have received £5,000 to cover the costs of providing workshops to teach variety of skills. The money is part of the crime comissioners fund allocated by the Home Office to help them prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour in their areas.

The Risca Street Pastors received a grant of £3,000 to train ten members and to purchase new uniform of high visability jackets. The volunteers work alongside the police to give people assistance late at night and consist of members from five churches including Mariah Baptist Church, Bethany Baptist Church and Agape Community Church.

Mark Jones, 58, chairman of Risca Street Pastors, said: "We are really pleased to have the funding and support of the police comissioner which will enable us to recruit the pastors that we need to provide a service to the people of Risca late at night. It does take time to train new pastors with courses in drug and alcohol awareness training, first aid, how the police operate and CCTV centres."

The St Julian’s and old Barn Community Association, Newport, have received £3,000 to fund the Friday Night Project where young people can use the Beaufort Community Centre to take part in activities instead of partaking in anti-social behaviour.

Ian Johnston, Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Many of these projects have already generated overwhelmingly positive results within their communities but this vital funding will help them achieve a great deal more. We want less victims of crime in our communities and we recognise the fantastic role that volunteers at some of these projects can play in complementing the work of Gwent Police and other local partners in the community."

He added: "I would also like to give a special mention to representatives from the youth forums in Gwent who played an important role on the decision making board. Finally, I would like to congratulate all the projects awarded and wish them all the best with their work."

Other groups to receive grants included £12,000 for the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service (SWFRS), £1,100 for Abergavenny Youth Group, £3,620 for Cruse Bereavement Care and £8,000 for Torfaen People First.