A PILOT scheme where primary school pupils got to see what it was like to be police officers has been hailed as a success.

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds, from Hereford, helped to set up a scheme called the Young Police Cadets at Withington Primary School.

The six-week programme was aimed at 10 and 11-year-olds, who swore an oath and were issued with police uniforms, prior to working with police on role plays involving police response, arrests, forensic evidence and a mock court trial.

Sgt Reynolds said: "The scheme was designed to build and improve trust and relationships between the police and communities - particularly the children and their families.

"Withington was selected due to the history of anti-social behaviour and low level crime that has affected the village community for nearly two decades.

"The school is the heart of the community and has given the children a unique opportunity to engage with the police in partnership with the school."

At the end of the programme, they had a passing out parade which was attended by the Mayor of Hereford, Sharon Michael, The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, the Reverend Lady Lisvane and Deputy Lieutenant Sue Furnival, as well as chief inspector Dean Jones.

Sarah Houchen, head of learning at the school, said: "This initiative has had a hugely positive impact on the pupils and parents of Withington and their attitude towards and understanding of the local police force."

The police are looking to replicate the programme at other schools across the county.

Sgt Reynolds said: "The scheme has shown the children and their families that the police are here to help and has assisted in improving trust and confidence and aims to give rise to better partnership working in the future with local issues."