Money that North Wales Police seized from criminals is funding young rugby player development in the region.

Caernarfon Rugby Club’s summer training camps have benefited from funding via the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).

More than 300 participants, aged between five and 16, have taken part in sessions at the club’s Morfa ground, with PACT providing refreshments.

Tesco also supplied water, fruit, and crisps.

Police officers paid regular visits, allowing the young players to explore their vehicles and gear amidst their rugby sessions.

A highlight of the week was a special day spent with former Wales, Lions, and Llanelli Scarlets centre, Jonathan Davies.

PCSO Eurwen Williams, based in Caernarfon and one of the officers who applied for the PACT funding, shared that there has been a traditional increase in anti-social behaviour among school-age children during the summer holidays.

She said: "North Wales Police play a proactive role in combating this anti-social behaviour for the benefit of all members of our communities.

"The event presents a fantastic opportunity for North Wales Police to interact with the children/youths from the Caernarfon area and build trust and confidence by galvanising better relationships with them."

The sessions were held on a new all-weather pitch, installed two years ago as part of a Welsh Rugby Union initiative to improve the region’s playing facilities.

 Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman PCSO Eurwen Williams and Ashley Rogers with some of the children who took part in the summer rugby camp  (Image: Supplied)

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman paid a visit and said: "This is a really fantastic set-up with a new pitch, enclosed and really safe.

"Parents can be reassured their children are being looked after and involved in something that is around fitness, healthy and working in a team.

"Our partnership is really important because it is the start of a relationship with young people to think about team works and to think about being part of the community."

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Since its inception in 1998, PACT has supported more than 3,500 regional projects using funds seized from criminals.

PACT chairman Ashley Rogers said: "Keeping youngsters occupied and giving them something proactive and fulfilling to do is really, really valuable and during the school holidays it's obviously more important than ever and engaging the neighbourhood policing team with the community and the youngsters is absolutely fantastic."

First-team coach for the Caernarfon Rugby Club, Ieuan Jones, mentioned that many of the children attending the camp were first-time players.

One participant, Gwilym Owen, from Llanbedrgoch near Menai Bridge, Anglesey, said: "I've been playing rugby for a while and come here regularly.

"I like passing the ball and tackling."