Liz Twist, who represents Blaydon, met with youngsters who are part of the Force scheme

The work of Mini Police officers at a Tyneside school was given the seal of approval by a local MP.

First launched in 2018, the initiative sees school children from across the region recruited to find out more about policing.

Among those taking part are pupils from Barley Mow Primary School, in Birtley.

And earlier this month they were visited by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Blaydon, Liz Twist, who found out more about what activities they have been taking part in over the past eight months.

The keen youngsters at the Barley Mow cohort, who are all either aged nine or 10, have been handed their own uniforms which they don when they take to the streets to support operational policing with events and engagement.

Officers have given the group lessons around water safety and online safety, while they have also been provided with problem solving equipment that encourages communication and team work, both vital aspects of police work.

Liz Twist MP said: “I was thrilled to see the Mini Police initiative in action.

“Seeing the enthusiasm that the children had to learn along with their willingness to take up initiatives to help the community was incredible.

“The initiative is vitally important in keeping a positive relationship with the community and I wanted to thank the officers involved in helping inspire the next generation.”

Sergeant Scott Youngman, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our Mini Police recruits perform a vital role in helping to further explain to children the importance of policing in our local communities.

“Thanks to their hard work and dedication to the scheme, we have been able to break down barriers with police and show school children that our officers are both friendly and approachable.”

Sgt Youngman added: “The initiative continues to go from strength to strength over the past few years and that is fantastic to see.

“I’m sure that in the future some of our Mini Police members will join us again as fully fledged officers.”

Cara Burkin, Northumbria Police’s Citizens in Policing manager, said: “The Mini Police scheme provides a great opportunity for some of the younger members of our communities to learn about policing - how we tackle crime and keep our communities safe - as well as a chance to get involved in making a positive impact in their local area themselves.

“We are enormously proud of our Mini Police officers who make such a valuable contribution as part of Northumbria Police.”