Primary school pupils have been recruited to this year’s team of Mini Police.
Backed by local Police Community Support Officers, the scheme introduces pupils to a positive experience of policing and community involvement.
A 21-strong group from Years 5 and 6 from Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School was selected through an application process, presented with their badges by PCSO Michelle Jones and Sgt Gareth Sargent.
Ellie Strong, who is in Year 6 and aspires to run a business in future, said she was "really happy" to be appointed.
She said: “This is something I have wanted to do since Year 1.
"I want to make Ormsgill and Barrow a better place to live and to be safe.”
Year 5 pupil Thomas Ebbens also joined the team.
“This is so exciting,” he said.
“I want to help people and learn new skills.”
Roles vary from heading assemblies on fire safety, organising litter picks, supporting community events, and creating Christmas hampers.
Teaching Assistant Natasha Carter praised the scheme for fostering confidence, leadership, and community ties.
PCSO Michelle Jones, who won the Cumbria award for her work with Mini Police, said Ormsgill was one of the first schools to join five years ago.
She said: “The scheme really enables us to engage with the children and connect on their level as well as promoting mutual respect.
"I now have teenagers coming up to me who remember their time in the mini police and we still have that good rapport.
“One 13-year-old who was in Mini Police here told me the other week he is now going to join police cadets.”
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