Hundreds of schoolchildren from across Shropshire who are used to watching TV programmes like The Bill got a taste of what real police work is like during a special event to dispel common misconceptions.

Children and young people aged between 10 and 16 from schools in the county, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, were invited to West Mercia Police HQ at Hindlip Hall, Worcester, over three days last week.

They spent time with officers learning about their work and getting tips on how to stay safe.

The event was called the Real Bill in an attempt to show local children what the realities of modern policing are, rather than what they might pick up from TV programmes.

Children from schools including Woodlands Primary School in Woodside, Telford; Bishop’s Castle Community College; The Wakeman School in Shrewsbury; Mary Webb School and Science College, Pontesbury, near Shrewsbury; and The Corbet School Technology College, Baschurch, were among those that took part.

It was intended to show the children that beyond media images of the police, officers are real people whose job is to protect them and their communities.

The youngsters who attended were given a short presentation on the history of the police and how it has evolved. This was followed by a demonstration from the dog section and a chance to see up close a variety of police equipment and vehicles, including the force helicopter.

The children were able to chat with officers and ask any questions they had. The two-hour visits finished with a demonstration about internet safety.

Chief Constable Paul West, who attended some of the visits, said: “This is the first year that we have organised a series of events at Police Headquarters targeted specifically at schools from across the force’s communities.

“Our main aim was to engage with the children in an imaginative and creative way in order for them to gain a better understanding of what the police do.”

By Russell Roberts