Pupils at St James Primary School in Lansbury Park, Caerphilly, have been awarded certificates and mini police uniforms for taking part in a police engagement scheme.
The Heddlu Bach scheme sees children aged between nine and 11 work with Gwent Police to become community ambassadors.
Pupils were invited to apply for the scheme and had to pass an interview to become a ‘mini police officer’.
Twenty-two pupils from Years Five and Six were successful in applying and took part in a parade on Friday, October 11, where they were presented with certificates and uniform in front of teachers, parents, governors and fellow-pupils.
The project has also seen the children take part in activities at Ystrad Mynach police station.
Nikki Dargie, headteacher at St James Primary School, said: “It is wonderful to see so many of our young pupils have the opportunity to take part in this scheme for the second year in a row. I am so pleased to see the enthusiasm from the pupils in Years Five and Six, who aspire to make the community a nicer place to live, learn and work.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Davies from Gwent Police, who has been involved in the project, said: “It’s fantastic to see our mini police engagement scheme working so well in St James Primary.
We would like to thank the school for inviting us into the ceremony to present our mini police officers with their passing out certificates, without the hard work from the pupils and teachers we would not be able run this scheme.
“We were so proud of all their smiling faces on Friday as they became the newest members of our police family.”
Cllr Philippa Marsden, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for education and achievement, said: “I would like to congratulate the mini police officers at St James Primary School on their passing out parade.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these pupils to learn new skills, build confidence and give something back to the community all while having fun. This is a great way to create better relationships between the officers and the communities they serve.”