A BASINGSTOKE charity tackling alcohol-fuelled violence by reaching out to late night revellers will receive part of a £500,000 windfall boosting community groups in Hampshire.

Basingstoke Street Pastors is among organisations benefiting from the major investment announced by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Hayes.

The £546,504 Safer Communities and Be Part of the Solution funding is split between 33 organisations in the county and on the Isle of Wight chosen for their work in striving to create safer communities in the region.

More than 120 bids were submitted prior to the winners being announced.

Basingstoke Street Pastors has been awarded £10,300 to support their volunteers patrolling the town's streets on Friday and Saturday nights.

They minimise anti-social behaviour and calming conflicts by working in partnership with the police and befriending revellers by handing out lollipops and helping girls struggling to walk home in high heels by giving them flipflops.

Phil Thomas, Street Pastors' management committee chairman said: “This is a most welcome addition.

“We will be able to continue to support the economy, reduce demand on the police and health services and minimise antisocial behaviour.”

Meanwhile KeepOut - The Crime Diversion Scheme was awarded £5,000 for their county-wide crime prevention scheme.

They target girls and women aged 13-17 years who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system or involved in criminal activities by facilitating interviews with serving prisoners.

KeepOut chief executive Angela Palmer said: “This grant will allow us to work with young people on the very cusp of becoming drawn into committing offences, with the aim of diverting them away from situations that might lead to their offending.”

Mr Hayes said: “I am proud to support projects which work to prevent crime, support victims and reduce re-offending in our communities. My latest round of funding will invest in both new and existing schemes which address a variety of challenging issues, ranging from tackling anti-social behaviour and business crime, to protecting vulnerable older people. Many of the projects take innovative approaches to support disadvantaged or hard to reach groups.”

The Princes Trust, Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Safer North Hampshire Rushmoor Borough Council are among the other beneficiaries.