Police Young Persons Partnership Officer (PYPPO) PC Craig White has been working with teachers at Wath Comprehensive School and Rotherham Council Wardens to develop a volunteer scheme for local students.

The ‘Working With Wardens’ project is designed to introduce students to the world of voluntary work, while giving them an opportunity to develop their skills and contribute positively in their community.

PC Craig White said: “Hopefully this project will show that not all our children and teenagers are out in the neighbourhoods behaving badly and that the majority of young people are eager to do something productive to support their communities.

“This project is a great way for the local officers and wardens to engage and interact with young people. Students learn about the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, how all the partners work together and what they do and achieve.”

Students are asked to let PC White know if they are interested in taking part in the scheme and the parents must sign a consent form. Safety clothing is provided while the young people carry out their volunteer community work. Once completed, they are presented with a certificate.

During early March, four schoolchildren assisted the wardens with a litter-pick and clean-up of grass areas at the end of Woodfield Road West Melton, Carlisle Street in Kilnhurst and at the rear of Robin Hood Public House.

More recently, a second group of young people patrolled with the Wardens and took part in a litter-pick on a grass area at the rear of Cafe Sport in Swinton and around the Highfield Court footpath leading to a local park.

Almost 70 refuse bags have been filled with litter and the green spaces, now cleared of rubbish, have improved the appearance of the local areas.

It is hoped that this project will continue with further opportunities and alternative activities made available to the students.