Police learn about being tagged

YOU might have thought only criminals wore tags - but members of Gorleston police team volunteered to be “tagged” in a bid to build links with the local community.

YOU might have thought only criminals wore tags - but members of Gorleston police team volunteered to be “tagged” in a bid to build links with the local community.

Police Community Support Officer Dave Howarth is using his skills in tag rugby to coach pupils at Stradbroke Primary School.

Tag rugby lessons take place every Friday and PCSO Howarth is joined by his colleagues PCSO's Steve Merritt and Alison Elliott from Gorleston Neighbourhood Policing Team for the lessons.

The project was started by after PCSO Howarth completed a coaching course through the Rugby Football Union, the governing body of English rugby.

The lessons have proved highly popular among pupils - helping them keep fit and healthy as well as build relationships with local police officers.

Rosie Winterton, headteacher at Stradbroke , said: “As a school we have always had close links with the local police and I think it's fantastic that Dave and the team spend time with the children. The pupils find the lessons highly enjoyable and their fingers are always crossed on Friday in the hope rain does not stop play. By having the officers visit the school regularly children are able to see the police are approachable.”

Lessons have been running at the school for almost two years and members of the NPT are currently coaching 15 pupils aged between six and eight.

To contact the Gorleston NPT call 0845 456 4567 or email sntgorleston@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.