POLICE are hoping to sign-up a new squad of bobbies in Wellington – although the recruits might not be old enough to drive a police car just yet.

Sgt Jon O’Connor told members of Wellington Town Council on May 6 that information had been sent out to local primary schools encouraging them to apply to get involved with the Mini-Police scheme.

Mini-Police is part of the National Volunteer Police Cadets programme and is aimed at children aged eight to 11-years-old. The nine-week programme provides a fun and interactive way to introduce children to a positive experience of policing and to look at how they can benefit their community. Sgt O’Connor, in his monthly report to councillors, said: “The cadets are provided with a uniform and initially learn about what it is like to work in policing before being encouraged to assess a community issue and come up with a project on how they might work to improve it.

“This is open to all primary schools, but with only a finite amount of equipment and availability to deliver the programme, applications have to be centrally short-listed to ensure fair coverage across the force.”

The Mini-Police scheme has been supported by former High Sheriff of Somerset, Janet Montgomery, after she visited one school in the county which had taken part in the initiative.

Mrs Montgomery said: “It was inspiring to hear about the wide range of activities the Mini-Police had been involved in - all helping to build strong links with the community and promote safety and responsibility from a young age.

“The Mini-Police programme is a fantastic initiative. It’s a wonderful example of collaboration in action, helping to shape confident and community-minded young people.”

Mrs Montgomery passed on the High Sheriff of Somerset honour to Peter Dixon earlier this year during a ceremony at Wells Cathedral.