TIME is running out for community groups to benefit from a fund provided by the police through unclaimed stolen property.

Each year, North Yorkshire Police seizes property as part of criminal investigations, or confiscates property by order of court.

Although officers make every attempt to return items to their rightful owners, it is not always possible and unclaimed goods are auctioned off, with the proceeds then offered to voluntary and community projects.

Between 2011 and 2016 more than £120,000 has been granted to projects in North Yorkshire through the Police Property Fund and applications for the latest round of grants ends on April 30.

To be considered for a grant, projects must be based and operate solely within North Yorkshire or the City of York area although national charities will be considered based on evidence of work in the North Yorks region.

Projects must also fulfill one of the following criteria; creating opportunities for children and young people to get involved in extra-curricular activities, promoting safety, bringing the community together, or helping to prevent crime or anti-social behaviour within the local community.

Groups must also not have received a Property Fund Grant within the last two years.

Applications are judged by the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police and the region's Police and Crime Commissioner.

The amount that groups can apply for is flexible but previous successful applicants have been awarded amounts around £500 and they usually do not exceed £1,000.

To apply, visit northyorkshire.police.uk