A new opportunity for youngsters to help out the police is being launched.

Following an eight-week trial children aged between nine and eleven, across the county will be able to join forces with the Hertfordshire Constabulary as Mini Police.

Sergeant Steve Alison, who led the trial alongside Sergeant James Lacey, said: “The Mini Police programme is a fantastic way to break down barriers and increase trust.

“We’re really pleased that the trial was so successful and look forward to rolling it out across the county.

“Who knows, we may even discover some future police officers.”

Mini Police is designed to build trust with communities and help young people establish an interest and understand policing and community safety.

The eight-week trial was launched at Harpenden Academy in April and saw 28 pupils put through their paces by volunteer police cadets Jamie Head, Jac Mansell and Sadie Sundt.

Year Five teacher Billie Foster said: “It was a huge privilege to be part of the Mini Police programme.

“It’s been great fun and the children have loved every minute of it.

“Their confidence and behaviour has improved drastically and they have also further developed their social skills.

“The Cadets who led the programme were brilliant and have been such a positive influence on the children.”

The children got to learn about police procedure and the law, road safety and looked at ways to tackle the dangerous parking outside their school.

To mark the completion of the trial, pupils visited the Constabulary’s Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on Wednesday, June 20.

The pupils received certificates in front of the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss and the deputy Mayor of Harpenden Brian Ellis.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: “Following this successful trial, I’m pleased to be able to fund a countywide roll out of the scheme so that even more children can take advantage of this programme.

“I know the children have had a great time working with the cadets and the Constabulary, and I hope it inspires them to join up as cadets in the years ahead.”