SCHOOLS around the county have launched their 'mini police banners' today (January 9) as part of a new initiative with Cumbria Police.

Following the launch of Cumbria’s Mini Police in 2018 more than 26 schools have participated with the scheme.

'Mini Police Officers' have helped the force from local litter picks, road safety patrols to fundraising and supporting local events, including the Tour of Britain.

Students are also able to take part in different modules of learning each term and cover topics such as water safety and County Line Drug Dealing. The programme not only educates students but teaches life-skills of citizenship, leadership, community and friendships.

Citizen in Police Lead for the Mini Police Programme, Sergeant, Tamara Tatton said: “The banners are going to be a great way to easily identify a Mini Police school and acknowledge the hard work and commitment the school and students have undertaken as part of the programme.

"The work undertaken in 2018 by our Mini Police is outstanding; teachers and students have shown so much enthusiasm and initiative, and they are already positively impacting their local communities.

“The programme has been extremely well received and we have seen students grow in their teams and as individuals. Children as young as eight years old have been standing up in front of their peers in full school assemblies presenting the information they have learnt."

Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said: “The Mini Police is a great initiative and it is really important to invest in our young people from an early age. Mini Police not only inspires children to consider a career in policing in later life, but also encourages great relationships between the police and the next generation.

"The response to the scheme has been tremendously positive and I am delighted that it is so successful. I am keen to see even more pupils benefit from the scheme and the banners will help to raise awareness.

“This is a great way to increase engagement, not just with the children themselves, but also with their parents and carers, which will in turn indirectly allows for greater engagement with the wider community.”