Fairfield Primary School children were gripped with interest as a visit by police and the prison service made learning about hard-hitting issues fun.

The joint initiative is part of the Greater Manchester prison, police and school engagement programme, working with Cumbria Police, to inform Key Stage two children about issues such as e-safety, social media, substance abuse and knives and to raise their awareness before starting secondary school.

The Cockermouth children also had the chance to meet police dogs and to see them in action.

The school is one of four to be selected for a visit.

Paul McGovern MBE, children’s police officer PC Lindsey Irving and police volunteer David Keevil showed the children how important it is to give accurate descriptions and reiterated the dangers of taking sweets or substances from strangers.

The initiative has been pioneered in and around Greater Manchester and then rolled out across the North West.

Key Stage 2 leader Jordan Gale said: “It is really important that we are teaching our children how to keep themselves safe. The engaging workshops today have been invaluable in terms of outlining clear messages in a creative and practical nature. This work links to the fundamental British-values aspect of the curriculum.”

PC Lindsey Irving said: “Young people are faced with dangers, both in their community and online.

“As these dangers change, young people need to know the how they can protect themselves and their peers.

“The best way for our children to learn is through fun and interactive learning where important messages are really absorbed, making them easier to put into practice.”