Trustees from Herts in Trust, which is the official charity of Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, gave the money to The Swan Youth Centre, in Berkhamsted High Street.

The charity supports community groups and voluntary bodies which are running projects that are trying to improve the lives of young people, reduce crime and the fear of crime, or highlights awareness around accidental fires.

The money will be used by The Swan for its Friday night drop-in centre.

The centre's main aim is to offer the young people in the area a safe, alcohol and drug free environment in which to meet friends, discuss issues which affect them and take part in arts, music and citizenship activities.

Clare Muir who runs the project said: "The grant has allowed us to keep the drop-in centre open and give young people something positive to do on a Friday night. This will also help the community feel safer in Berkhamsted. We're really grateful for the funding from Herts in Trust and this will allow us to run the drop-in centre for the next year."

Anyone interested in getting an application form to apply for a grant from the trust should contact Gail Franklin on 01438 757422.