CRIMINALS’ cash has helped boost the fortunes of a community gardening scheme which helps disadvantaged people.

Ripon Community Link Walled Garden Scheme successfully bid for a portion of £25,000 made available to local groups and charities under North Yorkshire Police's “Why should they?” campaign.

It was awarded £2,856 from the fund, which is made up of cash confiscated by force’ss Financial Investigation Unit under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The scheme is based on Palace Road in Ripon and includes the walled garden, orchard and woodland, built in 1847, as part of the Bishop's Palace.

It provides work placements for young people and adults with learning disabilities, mental health and physical disabilities. The garden also works with York and North Yorkshire Probation Trust, the Youth Offending Team and Northallerton Prison.

The money will pay for a part time partnership development worker as well as materials to develop a decking area around the visitor centre.

Inspector Rob Thorpe presented the cheque and said: "The garden is a wonderful facility providing a place where people can learn new skills and develop confidence.

“It gives us great pleasure to be able to support this fantastic work. It's also very satisfying that we are able to do this with money taken from the criminal fraternity."