SHOPKEEPERS hit by vandals and criminals are set to benefit from a share of thousands of pounds to boost security.

And one of the first to get help is florist Simon Stirling.

Mr Stirling who owns Octagon Flowers, recently had the windows smashed on his shop in Plodder Lane, Farnworth.

An £18,500 security programme in Bolton, which is part of a programme announced by the Government yesterday.

He said: "I had to put up bars on the shop to stop people smashing the windows, but they didn't look very appealing.

"Then someone from Bolton Council told me I could apply for a grant to buy some blinds to improve security. I'm delighted."

Crime Reduction Minister John Denham said £2.9 million will be used to help shopkeepers tackle theft and vandalism across England and Wales.

Improvements under the scheme will include CCTV and burglar alarms, security lighting and better locks.

About 3,000 shops will benefit from the boost across the country and and over the next two years a further £12 million will be made available.

More than £18,500 will come to Bolton during the first phase of the scheme.

The cash will be used to help shops in Farnworth and other areas could benefit in later stages.

A spokesman for Bolton Council, which will help allocate the money, said: "We aim to support as many shops as we can."

He said the scheme would include a shop-watch initiative to support individual stores, especially off-licences.

Rapid response grants will also be available to provide immediate support to shopkeepers who become victims of crime.