Cash from property seized by police will be used to tackle drug problems in Cumbria – with a focus on helping people to recover from addiction.

Money from the Police Property Fund – made from property awarded to the police through the courts then sold – will be used by the county's police and crime commissioner Peter McCall to help projects tackling drug addiction.

Mr McCall has appealed for ideas on how to spend the money, which has been earmarked for projects aimed at 'drug and alcohol awareness, abstinence and prevent re-offending'.

He said: “The abuse of illegal drugs causes untold misery for those involved, often drawing young people into criminality, and destroys lives, while those supplying the drugs profit from the misery of others.

“Together with the constabulary I want to do all I can to see dealers brought to justice but at the same time I am keen to work with any groups who may have ideas to help prevent dependency and to deter drug use particularly with young people.

“I would welcome applications from organisations who may have good projects to divert people, especially young people, from drug use and I am keen to work with them to get drugs off our streets.”

On a website launched to coincide with the new initiative, the PCC said: "Anyone who is interested in applying for funding should contact either a member of their local community policing team, a police community support officer or a member of police staff for an application form."

Applications will then be considered by the PCC.