TWO police officers have boarded a yacht crewed by a group of schoolchildren.

Beat bobby Martin Rowell and police community support officer Paul Hustwick, from Darlington police, are accompanying pupils from the town's Beaumont Hill School.

The vessel set sail from Hartlepool Marina yesterday and is due to return on Thursday afternoon.

The project is aimed at breaking down barriers between young people and the police.

PC Rowell said: "We are looking forward to sailing with the youngsters on what is intended to be a real team-building experience."

It is the second year the school has been involved in the project and it received a bursary from the Cirdan Sailing Trust to take part.