AN exciting time was had by Cleator Moor Beavers who spent an evening on the beat with Cumbria Police.

Youngsters from the third Cleator Moor Beaver group enjoyed an evening at Whitehaven Police Station where they were given a taste of police life.

The visit had been organised by the group leaders and community officers from the station. On arrival, the children were met by PCSO Alan Willison, who initially spoke to all the children and adults attending with them, explaining what the police do and getting the children to answer questions about the police.

PC Rob Thompson then attended and showed all present the equipment and uniform used by the police and later showed the children one of the police vehicles with its lights and sirens.

The children were also shown how a ‘Stinger’ is used to stop vehicles with PC Thompson giving a demonstration.

As well as all this excitement, the children were shown the custody area, including the inside of the cells to get an idea of what it was like to be in jail.

They finally had their palm prints taken to keep as a reminder of the visit. The group leader said to the officers that this had been one of the most exciting visits the third Cleator Moor Beavers had ever been on.

PCSO Willison said: “Visits of this nature are extremely good, fun ways of introducing the children to the police and what they do without any concerns or fears from the children.”

The Beavers also recently took part in a Jamboree on The Trail at Ennerdale Water.

The colony had the idea of walking around Ennerdale litter picking but also serving Tea/Coffee Homemade cake/Biscuits to any passing walkers.

For three hours the Beavers served passing people and told them all about their colony and how doing this was to raise awareness in the community.

A Beavers spokeswoman said: “Many, many drinks and food were served and it was greatly appreciated by the walkers. The Beavers will have given a very good impression of themselves.”

At the end of the afternoon the Beavers collected up all their stuff and also any other litter lying about. Plans are already being made for next year’s Jamboree.