Criminals' cash helps basketball players

CASH seized from criminals has helped young basketball players break into national squads.

The Scottish Government said money shared through its CashBack for Communities scheme funded sport sessions attended by nine boys and three girls who are now linking up with international under-12, under-14 and under-16 teams.

So far, 2,272 youngsters have taken up the sport through the Jump2it and Twilight Basketball programmes run by Scottish Sports Futures.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Our hugely successful CashBack programme is all about broadening young people's horizons and putting them on a positive path in life using money seized from crooks."

Chief executive of Scottish Sports Futures, Ian Reid, said: "This would not have been possible without the CashBack initiative and it shows the money invested in the community does actually make a difference.

"We wish our young stars all the best."