RIBBLE Valley community groups have been awarded more than £3,000 in grants from the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Action Fund.

Longridge Community Gym, which allows 12 to 25-year-olds to use the gym for free, has been given £1,500 with £1,750 being awarded to the Henthorn and District Youth Activities Group in Clitheroe.

The group will use the money to fund its ‘Mechanics Programme’, which gives youngsters access to car mechanic training and the opportunity to learn how to ride motorbikes and beach buggies.

The community gym started opening its doors to youngsters for free to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

Gym manager Angela Harrison, said: “Friday night used to be quite a peak time for young people hanging around on the streets with incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“So we’ve invited young people to come to the gym and use the facilities for free, supervised by instructors.

“It’s quite chilled out, not like school, and gives them a safe place to come to and use the gym, weights, do boxing and challenges.

“The police have noticed there has been a big change in levels of anti-social behaviour because people are coming to the centre.”

Mel Diack, of the Henthorn and District Youth Activities Group, said: “It’s going to be a rewarding experience – not many young people get to do mechanics with professionals.

“We are absolutely delighted to get the grant and it will make a big difference, especially to young people who are struggling academically.”