Community football sessions funded by police

Devon and Cornwall Police have funded free community football sessions

A police team has used money from a fund made up of cash seized from criminals to provide free community football sessions in Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said its diverse communities team used £900 from the fund to run 10 sessions for people aged 18 and over in Torbay.

The aim of the programme is to raise awareness of hate crime and improve relationships between the community and police, the force said.

Sgt Chris Chaloner said the sessions were "designed to provide a safe place for all members of the community".

He said: "They are put on with the intention of bringing people together and creating a sense of inclusion within the communities of Torbay."

The Proceeds of Crime Act fund is made up of money seized from criminals and proceeds from criminal assets sold by police at auction.

Police said it awarded funds to local projects that make a difference in the community.

The football sessions are run in partnership with Torbay Communities and Torquay United Community Sports Trust.