A few weeks ago the Area Commander for West Kent, Chief Superintendent Tony Thomas, presented cheques to representatives from local community groups who were successful in their application to the Kent Police Property Fund for a donation.

Nine groups each received cheques in recognition of the valuable support they provide to the people of West Kent. Local charities, community groups and organisations are able to apply for an award from the Police Property Fund, which uses money from the sale or auction of unclaimed property to benefit good causes.

Commenting on the presentation Chief Superintendent Tony Thomas said: ‘It was a pleasure to meet the representatives who came to the presentation and I was very proud to be able to support their groups with a donation that will help them carry on their fantastic work.’

The organisations receiving cheques on the day were:

·         Play Place INNOV8 – children and young people’s clubs in Kemsing and Otford

·         Sevenoaks 8-12 project – weekly clubs for children in Sevenoaks, New Ash Green and West Kingsdown

·         Rural Age Concern, Darenth Valley – providing services for the elderly of Swanley

·         Age Concern, Edenbridge – the day care centre in Edenbridge offers a full range of recreational activities for elderly residents of the town

·         2374 (Ditton) Sqn Air Training Corps  – the donation will go towards buying camping equipment to enable the cadets to complete the expedition section of their Duke of Edinburgh’s awards

·         Compaid – the charity provides a range of practical services and other resources to enable disabled adults and children to maximise their social, creative, learning and employment opportunities

·         Home Start – supporting families in their own homes, helping to increase their confidence and independence

Groups receiving cheques that could not attend on the day were:

·         Dyslexia Action, Tonbridge – the donation will be used to provide support and tuition for a child from a disadvantaged background

·         Kings Hill Parish Council – the donation will be used for the Kings Hill Skate Park Action Group