A Kenley school has got its own junior police force after a week of citizen training by a local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

The Croydon Junior Police academy is a new initiative aimed at year six pupils about to enter into secondary schools.

The scheme, which is being run by Kenley SNT in partnership with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade, began on Monday, June 14 at the Roke Primary School and culminated in a passing out ceremony on Friday, June 18.

Pupils were encouraged to take part in a variety of activities including presentations on personal safety (stranger danger and internet safety) as well first aid and fire awareness.

PC Kim Unwin, Croydon’s Community engagement officer said: “The week has been a real success. It’s been about building a good relationship with younger children as they move from primary to secondary school. This first event is a pilot for a larger youth engagement programme that we hope will eventually be rolled out across the Met, the main aim of which is to encourage cohesive community relationships between police, partners and the wider community.”

The pupils also took part in role plays tackling basic legislation around theft, stop and search powers and how to challenge wrong doings.

The Aerial Support Unit performed a fly over and officers from the Met’s Mounted Branch attended the school.

At the end of the week pupils took part in a police academy passing out parade, at the end of which they were presented with a certificate by the head of Croydon Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Chief Inspector Steve Lawrie.

Caroline Byers, head teacher of Roke Primary said: “Not only has the week been educational, the children have had great fun. They are more aware of keeping themselves safe and many of them are now keen to be police officers when they are older.”