Forty youth organisations will soon be £1,000 better off thanks to donations from the Thames Valley Police Authority property fund.

Each year the authority auctions off property received or recovered by the police that have not been reclaimed, and the money is then distributed to charities or charitable concerns.

This year, to mark Thames Valley Police’s 40th anniversary, it was decided to give a donation of £1,000 to 40 youth organisations nominated by local officers.

Chairman of the Police Authority, Khan Juna, said: “We thought it would be appropriate to use the money to mark the Force’s anniversary in some way and we are very keen to support organisations which help young people.

“Officers nominated a range of organisations from youth clubs and scout groups through to drugs prevention and education project and a youth mentoring scheme. All make a vital contribution towards supporting young people either by providing them with activities, education and training, or helping them in times of need.”

The youth organisations will receive their cheques this month. Those benefiting include:

  • 2507 (Bicester) Squadron ATC
  • Riverside Centre, Oxford (works with young offenders)
  • Chipping Norton School Trust Fund (supports the involvement of primary school pupils in organised sporting events)
  • Springboard Family Project, Carterton
  • Junior Citizen Trust, Oxfordshire (teaches year six pupils about personal safety)
  • NOMAD, Henley (works with local youth and younger children and their parents)
  • Local Youth Mentoring Scheme, Abingdon
  • Base 33, Witney (works with young people, including socially excluded and hard to reach teenagers)
  • Didcot Boys’ U16s football team
  • BYHP, Banbury (supporting young people in housing need)
  • Sweatbox Youth Forum, Wantage
  • Haddenham Cycling Training.