CHILDREN and young people have the chance to make North Yorkshire safer, thanks to a crime prevention initiative.

Youngsters across the county are being asked to come up with ideas to drive down crime as part of the North Yorkshire Crimebeat scheme.

The best entries have the chance of winning cash to turn the plans into reality.

The scheme provides grants and awards for projects focusing on community safety where most of the work is done by young people, and anybody aged ten to 18 and living in York and North Yorkshire can get involved.

Entries are welcomed from individuals or teams from schools, youth clubs and community groups.

The teams will present their projects to a judging panel next February.

The Crimebeat money comes from the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire’s Fund, providing grants and awards to recognise community safety projects.

Last year, £1,750 was awarded in prize money and a further £300 allocated as additional supporting funds for other projects. Alexandra Holford, the High Sheriff for North Yorkshire, said: “I am delighted that I am able to work with North Yorkshire Police to involve young people in projects that benefit the whole of the community, improving life for us all.

“The initiative and commitment of the young people is wonderful.”

North Yorkshire’s chief constable, Grahame Maxwell, said: “I am very pleased that North Yorkshire Police has the opportunity to support such a worthwhile competition as the Crimebeat Awards.

“The young people involved show great initiative and dedication to crime prevention and other aspects of community safety within their communities, which is fantastic to see.

“I am keen to see this year’s entries. I am positive that they will continue to be of the high quality that we have seen previously.”

The closing date for entries is November 4.

For further details and an entry form, visit northyorkshire.police.uk/crimebeat