POLICE constables in South Tyneside are returning to school as part of a project aimed at building partnerships between police and young people.

Northumbria Police have already received widespread praise for the school initiative in Sunderland West and now south Tyneside is the next area to take on this scheme.

Twenty three primary schools in the borough have signed up to provide permanent bases for police officers helping them to work with pupils, their families and teachers on a daily basis.

Superintendent Dave Crosthwaite, South Tyneside Area Commander, said: "In order to provide a good policing service for the community it is essential that officers are accessible and visible to residents.

"We feel that basing officers in schools is a positive way of achieving this."

The scheme in Sunderland has been shortlisted for a national award.