Two police officers have won national recognition for a pioneering pupil power project.

PCs Chris Roger-Thomas and Jonathan Pickles set up Pupil Power to get the crime prevention message across to residents through young people.

And they are now celebrating recognition in the national 1997 Neighbourhood Watch Police Innovation Awards.

PC Rogers-Thomas said: "We wanted to reduce the number of house burglaries by promoting Neighbourhood Watch, improving security in homes and raising awareness among young people and, ultimately, their parents or guardians."

Presentations were given to pupils who were encouraged to discuss crime prevention issues and security at home. The children also completed questionnaires and were given ultra violet pens to mark property.

PC Pickles said: "Feedback from the schools has been very positive. Pupils were very enthusiastic about crimes prevention and had used their pens to mark not only their own property, but that of their relatives and neighbours too."

Community Safety Officer for the Eccleshill Division Sergeant Paul Jeffrey welcomed the award.

"This is an extremely effective method of raising awareness among children and their parents about the benefits of crime prevention.

"We are pleased that the work done in Eccleshill has received national recognition."

The officers were presented with £100 of security products which will be used to spread the crime prevention message among residents and the business community.

Divisional Commander Superintendent David Collins presented the two officers with certificates.

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