YOUNGSTERS at a Batchley school will learn about the dangers of drugs in a special workshop.

Batchley beat bobby Pc Jon Watts will talk to Year Six students at Birchensale Middle School about drug awareness.

Headteacher Ingrid Bridgewater explained Pc Watts is keen to start-up the workshops and has been playing a more visible role in school life.

"I think it is important that the children see the police as human beings," she said.

Pc Watts has been getting to know children at the Bridley Moor Road school through weekly visits and surgeries.

He said: "I am at the school for one day every week. I also hold a drop in session on Friday mornings.

"So far it has been going very well. I think it is very important for the children to get to know their local beat bobby."

Pc Watts also plans to visit younger pupils at Batchley First School to talk about personal safety.

He said: "Everybody needs to know their local policeman, no matter what their age."

The beat bobby was assigned to the Batchley and Brockhill areas following a major restructuring of the central sector police force last month. He works closely with Pcs Doug Turland and Kate Johnson, who cover the Smallwood and town centre areas respectively.

He also holds surgery sessions at the Batchley Community Centre and One-Stop Shop on Tuesday mornings and Trinity High School on Thursdays.

Anyone wishing to speak to Pc Watts can call him at the central sector office on 08457 444 888.