DEVON and Cornwall Police are making good use of criminal cash by giving support to a pilot gig club in Cornwall.

The neighbourhood police team in St Ives recently awarded £500 to the town’s Pilot Gig Club by using ill gotten gains seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) from convicted criminals.

The money was used to fund new seating in the club’s gig – a 32-foot-long racing boat named Fortitude.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Terry Webb said: “It’s fantastic that we can use money earned through criminal activity for good, putting the money back into our community to support local people.

“This club has been at the heart of the community for 35 years, welcoming hundreds of people onboard to keep fit and learn new skills out on the sea.

“I’m pleased we were able to make a difference by helping to get the boat safely back in the water.”

The Fortitude, with newly fitted seats, raced during the annual World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly in May.

Pete Preston, chairman of the St Ives Pilot Gig Club said: “As a small club with a big heart, we are open to all our local community. The funding of this much-needed equipment enables us to redirect our limited club funds towards ongoing required maintenance of our gigs, helping to ensure the future of the club in the town.

“We are extremely thankful to PCSO Webb for helping us get these funds for a new set of seats for ‘Fortitude’.”

Police in Cornwall are continuing to support groups, projects and charities in the county with money from the POCA fund, which contains funds seized from criminality.

For more information about POCA funding, the public can get in touch with their local neighbourhood police team by visiting: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/area/your-area/