MORE police officers are going back to school to take the fight against crime to the younger generation.

In Sunderland, 15 schools have joined a scheme launched last year at Pallion Primary School in which beat bobbies have bases next to classrooms.

The Pallion project, launched under the Single Regeneration Budget scheme for the area, has led to a fall in incidents of unruly behaviour, vandalism and graffiti as well as helping develop relationships with pupils and staff at the school.

Chief Inspector Michael Hartnack, operations manager for the Northumbria force's Sunderland West area command, said other forces were showing interest in the scheme.

"This is a great stride forward in terms of our own policing strategy, which combines working with young people and the local community.

"Working with children is now the key to future success. It helps them respect law and order.

"By having these bases in the heart of the Sunderland community our officers will not only have a visible presence, but will also save valuable time in travelling around the area command.

"We firmly believe we are playing a vital part in the development of the next generation."