Young citizen event tackles knife and gang crime

The event involved almost 700 children who were 10 or 11 years old

A hard-hitting event for nearly 700 year six schoolchildren has tackled subjects like knife crime, gangs and online safety.

The Young Citizen's Scheme took place over two days in Northampton.

The programme included a play performed by pupils from Rushden about staying safe online.

Ch Insp Kim Jackson said the event would make a "real difference in creating a safer and more inclusive community".

The project, which took place at the Deco Theatre in Northampton, also covered fire and water safety, anti-social behaviour, rail safety and substance abuse.

During lunch, Year 11 pupils from Rushden Academy performed their play, "Add Me", which focused on the importance of staying safe online.

There was also a workshop on hate crime delivered by the West Northamptonshire Youth Partnership which focussed on discrimination and was inspired by their social media takeover day in August.

The event took place in the Deco Theatre at the Old Savoy in Northampton

David Smith, West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet member for communities, said: "The partnerships and dedication of everyone involved have created an experience that will have a lasting impact on these young students."

Ch Insp Kim Jackson, from Northamptonshire Police, said the Youth Forum's "efforts in raising awareness make a real difference in creating a safer and more inclusive community".