A LOCAL charity helping people through addiction has received funding from a police campaign that gives money seized from criminals.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Addiction Service (HARCAS) will be using cash from the Why Should They? campaign to buy equipment for conservation project, Recovery - a Work in Progress, in partnership with Northallerton & District Angling Club and the Environment Agency to improve a local fishing lake.

The project, run by volunteers, provides an opportunity for those in recovery from drug and alcohol problems to gain valuable work experience.

They will learn skills such as working together and leading a team, plus more practical aspects of nature conservation, including the environment and wildlife habitats.

North Yorkshire Police launched the Why Should They? campaign in 2012, making £25,000 available to local groups and charities whose work makes a contribution to the prevention of anti-social behaviour and crime.

The money has been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act by North Yorkshire Police's Financial Investigation Unit.

HARCAS provide advice, information, counselling and support to people affected by drug and alcohol misuse.