MONEY confiscated from criminals has been donated to Age UK Cheshire to support the elderly through the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Cheshire, Cheshire East, and Mid-Mersey branches of the charity are to benefit from a shared £3,000 funding boost from Cheshire police and crime commissioner’s Safer Communities Fund.

This reinvests money taken from criminals back into the local community under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The money distributed by PCC David Keane will allow the charity to provide a range of services to vulnerable people across the county.

This will include delivering food and medication, offering a telephone befriending and advice service to those living alone and signposting to other relevant local services.

PCC Keane said: “The community response to the coronavirus pandemic has been phenomenal, with communities across Cheshire rallying round to support their neighbours.

“I am also impressed how organisations like Age UK have efficiently and effectively adapted to ensure they can still deliver a vital service to vulnerable people, despite the changes to our daily lives.

“I’m pleased to able to support our community organisations through my Safer Communities Fund to empower local people and volunteers to really make a difference at this unprecedented time.”

Mark Lunney, chief executive of Age UK Mid Mersey, added: “Locally, our Age UKs are committed to helping our older and most vulnerable communities across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

“For some getting a friendly call, reassurance, help or advice is vital.

“For others, help with occasional shopping or errands and an emergency food parcel can be such a tremendous help if they are shielding or alone at home.

“Together, Age UK Mid Mersey, Cheshire and Cheshire East can achieve much more by combining our resources with the help of this collaboration and grant funding from the police and crime commissioner.”

To find out more about applying for a Safer Communities Fund grant, visit cheshire-pcc.gov.uk.