CHILDREN at a Tynedale school have become Northumbria Police’s youngest recruits.

Years 4 and 5 pupils at Newbrough Primary School have signed up to the force’s Mini Police scheme.

Newbrough is the first of the district’s schools to sign up to the scheme, which is being rolled out across the force’s geographic area.

It enables youngsters to meet police officers and learn about everything from crime prevention to water safety, healthy working relationships and online safety.

Police representatives have been at the school to meet the pupils, and hand out their mini police uniforms.

Chief constable Steve Ashman said the initiative has been built on the success of a volunteer cadet scheme for teenagers.

He explained: “This is a fantastic scheme, and I’m absolutely thrilled that we are now going to have a scheme that takes in a younger age group.”

Superintendent Sarah Pitt added: “The scheme provides a great opportunity for young children to learn about their own safety, their role within their community and how the police work with the community.

“It will give youngsters a voice to say what matters to them and help them to influence people around them in a positive way.

“Not only that, it will give them an insight into policing and the work we do and help give them a sense of citizenship.”

As part of the scheme, the children will also get to meet volunteer cadets, senior officers and police horses.

They will also receive an invitation to take part in various events.