Classroom coppers are sent to Telford schools

Dedicated PCSOs are now in place in nine schools across the county, designed to be the friendly face of the police force to young people studying in the region.

The police have been working in the schools since the start of term and teachers and officers say they are already seeing the benefits.

The police posts include Hadley Learning Community in Telford, Abraham Darby Academy in Madeley, The Phoenix School in Dawley, Madeley Academy, Lakeside Academy in Stirchley and Ercall Wood Technology College in Wellington. Officers are also in The Marches School in Oswestry and Sundorne and Belvidere schools in Shrewsbury.

Tim Griffiths, the PCSO at Hadley Learning Community said the new role is a way to target problems in the classroom before they are given chance to progress.

He said: "We will be helping children to act appropriately outside, as well as dealing with issues in school such as bullying, with a view to reduce these problems at an early stage.

PCSO Griffiths will be working with both the secondary and primary schools at the HLC, as well as with its feeder schools.

PCSOs will be at their schools daily between 8am and 4pm, as well as any weekend events or extra-curricular activities

Dr Gill Eatough, principal of HLC, said: " I am very enthusiastic about the project and think it really needs our support."

Jordan Ricketts, 15, head boy at HLC, said: "It is a really good idea. If we do have any problems, it is good to have Tim here."

Bill Longmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, said: "A PCSO presence will help us to provide essential support and guidance."