The Government has unveiled a scheme to help communities stop young people getting involved in gangs.

The multi-million pound package was announced on the second day of the Labour Party conference.

The £5 million pound fund will allow community groups in ten knife crime hotspots to apply for up to £10,000.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown acknowledged that crimes of violence and theft could be expected to rise during the economic downturn.

He said: "We know that, historically, in tough economic times, there has been a rise in crimes of violence and theft."

Mr Brown added: "With tough policing, tough penalties and united communities, we can keep crime down, and make Britain a stronger, safer nation."

Around 3,600 volunteer "community crime fighters", including members of neighbourhood watch teams, will act as a link between police, local authorities and the public.

They will help to publicise the effects of community punishments so people know what has happened to criminals not sent to jail. They will also tell police about local crime priorities.

The areas involved in the schemes account for 70 per cent of knife violence.

They are London, Essex, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Merseyside, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, South Wales and Thames Valley.

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