Youngsters enjoy their police station visit

Youngsters paid a visit to Bedlington police station recently to find out more about the work of officers.

The youngsters aged 9 to 11 years were pupils from several Ashington schools. The children were invited along by Ashington Neighbourhood Policing Team to take a look behind the scenes of a busy working police station.

As well as the tour and a visit to custody they took part in crime scene investigation to find out who had committed a crime staged for them. They also got to meet a firearms officer and members from the force dog section as well.

Police Community Support Officer Alan Bunker, who showed the group around during their visit, said: "The children had a great time looking around the station and meeting officers. They were very interested in our work and asked lots of questions about what we do.

"They particularly enjoyed dressing up in police uniforms and having a look in the police van.

"After this visit I think we may have a few budding recruits in the years to come."

He added: "It's important to us that people of all ages feel they can come and talk to us about what we do and how we help the public."

Children pictured during their visit to Bedlington Police Station with left to right, PC Kath Smith, PC Chris Turnbull and PCSO Alan Bunker