A £600,000 fund aimed to keep young people in Bury out of trouble has been launched by Greater Manchester's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Tony Lloyd has launched the Youth Aspiration Fund, which will be available to youth groups and organisations who will be invited to apply for small grants up to £500, or for investment into major projects worth more than £100,000.

Mr Lloyd said the fund is designed to support young people and vulnerable children at risk of offending.

He said: "We want to keep young people out of the criminal justice system and we all have a responsibility to give them the support to make the right choices in life.

"Young people are all too often written off as the causes of problems in our community when what we should be doing is working with them, giving them a voice, and listening to their views and ideas on how to make our communities better and safer."

The new fund is designed to compliment the police cadets scheme, which currently has more than 30 members in Bury.

Mr Lloyd's office also funds the cadets, and he said he hopes that the fund creates projects in its image, which will help to have confidence, respect and to become good citizens.

"The success of the cadets scheme in Bury and the great work going on across the town to support young people and get them involved in activities to keep them on the right track.

"It shows there is a real commitment in Bury to give young people support, guidance and importantly give them the confidence to take control of their life, turn away from a life of crime and reach their full potential.

"The Youth Aspiration Fund will provide much needed support to allow this work to thrive - empowering communities to play a role in giving our young people the best start in life."

For more information about how to apply, visit gmpcc.org.uk/aspiration