A pioneering domestic violence scheme in Bradford, which faced the axe because of a cash crisis, has been given a financial lifeline with a Government grant of more than £150,000.

The Staying Put scheme - which allows female victims of domestic violence to remain in the family home - has received the country's biggest single grant from a £2 million Home Office fund.

Previous Government funding for the scheme, established two years ago, ran out in March.

Today, Alan Caygill, chairman of Staying Put's Steering Group, said: "We managed to get some funding from the local authority to tide us over the uncertain period, but it's the commitment and dedication of the staff that has really kept the project going.

"The grant has matched the money we receive from local resources, so we are going to use the time that this money buys us to organise further funding and make sure we are prepared for another year.

"I think the fact that Staying Put has been given the largest chunk of the £2 million, shows how much the Home Office values the project."

Announcing the grants, Home Office Minister Lord Falconer said it illustrated the Government's awareness of the need for domestic violence services on an ongoing basis.

"The Government is committed to tackling these issues and I am pleased to support these vital services at a local level," he said.

Domestic violence is estimated to cost £25 million a year in Bradford, with 6,000 incidents reported annually. Staying Put has helped more than 800 women and 1,000 children remain safe in their family home.

Greg Dyche, crime reduction director for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "These are successful projects providing valuable services. The work to address domestic violence requires more than funding. It demands close co-operation between organisations of all kinds, education, information and understanding."

Staying Put is run by the Domestic Violence Strategy, a multi-agency group including Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police.