STUDENTS at Bradford College have worked alongside West Yorkshire officers on a ten-week course to help with policing.

Since the course began in March, the students have clocked up more than 350 hours, helping with car crime initiatives, Bradford South's Reach Out programme, burglary hot spots as well as the first partnership patrol with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to combat nuisance fires.

Students have also been given personal safety advice and attended a counter terrorism awareness course.

Youngsters have also taken part in sporting activities as part of the police camps.

Bradford’s innovative police camps were established in 2009. Students at the College have been working in partnership with West Yorkshire Police and partner agencies and designed various diversionary events for nine to 15-year-olds to help alleviate boredom and provide positive ways to channel their energy.

During August 2014, anti-social behaviour calls fell by 15 per cent, compared to the previous year. There are four camps this year, held at Bradford College’s Trinity Green Campus.The first runs between May 26 and 29.

An official VIP Tour will take place on Wednesday and an Awards Ceremony on Friday.

Police camps project manager Nosheen Qamer said: “We have been able to reach out to 1,200 youngsters.

"We have activities run by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services on Road Safety, Bradford Council have been involved in Recycling and anti- littering sessions, Places for People and Incommunities have run Anti- Social Behaviour workshops, and Network Rail and British Transport Police have come together to work with youngsters to understand the dangers on railway lines.

"By providing these key safety messages we hope that youngsters have the information they need to make safer choices in life."

Superintendent Vince Firth, of Bradford District Police, said: "The Police Summer Camps allow police and partners to engage with young people and deliver our messages in a fun and innovative way. It means we can work with them to make sure they are safe and able to make informed decisions.

"Our aim is to educate youngsters on the consequences of anti-social behaviour and the importance of personal safety, so they can ultimately become confident young adults who will make a positive contribution to society."

Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said: "I am happy to once again give my full support to the highly successful Police Camp. The Police Camp is a very successful initiative and it is great to see everyone getting involved in positive activities like this."