Throwing 'bricks' at riot officers and meeting Cumbria's crime-fighting canines have been part of a day's work for the county's first 'Mini Police' recruits.

Children from Alston Moor are the first members of Mini Police, a new initiative being introduced by Cumbria Constabulary.

Pupils from 28 schools will be involved next term with hopes high that more will be able to sign up for the programme delivered by police community support officers.

Yesterday the scheme was officially launched at Cumbria Constabulary's Carleton Hall headquarters in Penrith.

Pupils from Alston and Nenthead primary schools took part in action-packed activities to learn about different aspects of policing.

They included an i-Pad controlled drone demonstration, a public order incident, and meeting Lucy the springer spaniel.

Nenthead Primary School pupil Scarlett Southeby, 10, said: "I'm looking forward to meeting people. It is particularly exciting to be involved with something new."

Dominic Mitsztal, who is also 10, and a pupil at Alston primary school, says he is looking forward "to looking good in his new uniform".

Pupils receive their own Mini Police uniform and take part in a series of activities and lessons in their communities.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson heads up the Cumbria Citizens in Policing unit, which also includes other volunteer schemes including police cadets for young people and Special Constables.

She said: "This started in Durham and essentially it is a way of engaging with children in years five and six.

"It is also about helping to teach them important messages at key times of year, like safety ahead of the summer holidays. It is also about them helping others in their area and identifying things they want to do.

"It is ultimately about developing responsible and active citizens of the future."

Children will progress to take part in schemes such as Speed Watch and visiting care homes.

Chief constable Michelle Skeer and police and crime commissioner Peter McCall welcomed dignitaries to Carleton Hall for the launch.

They were greeted by the 30 children, aged nine to 11, who formed a guard of honour.

Ian Johnson, head of the Alston Moor Federation which includes the two primary schools, said: "The children have completely engaged in this project and have loved the various displays that they have got to see.

"It has allowed the pupils to meet the police, to see what the police do, breaking down barriers between them."