School pupils will be addressed by the man at the head of policing in Cumbria as moves get underway to tackle crime involving young people.

Peter McCall, the county's crime commissioner, will be at assemblies to highlight the latest crimebusting idea being launched.

Mr McCall will be visiting Workington and Penrith to mark the arrival of what is being titled the Cumbria Youth Commission.

This is a set-up involving young people and those involved in crimefighting which aims to provide links between teenagers and police.

This is so problems can be highlighted to prevent trouble developing.

Youngsters can pass on tips about issues that affect them - so officers are getting their information from those who know.

Mr McCall has frequently spoken of this being one of his priorities since taking on the top role last year.

He oversees the county police and other methods to cut crime and tackle problems in the county.

Mr McCall will be at Workington Academy today and Ullswater Community College on Wednesday.

Mr McCall said: “I am keen to increase the involvement of young people to help us keep our communities safe.

“The objective of the presentations are to raise awareness among young people of the Cumbria Youth Commission - and to start to get young people thinking about the police and how they can make a change and help resolve the issues in their area.

"They are best placed to know about the issues that affect them."

He added: “I said in my manifesto that I really believe in working with young people to prevent crime and that I would launch a youth commission.

"I meant it and I am excited to be getting this project off the ground and look forward to seeing how the first phase develops over the next few months.”

Young Cumbria is a support organisation providing advice, information and support services to clubs, projects and groups.

Lynsey Crosthwaite, from Young Cumbria, said the commission provided young people a with a "unique opportunity" to work alongside the crime commissioner, "allowing them to jointly address issues important to them".

"This excellent and innovative programme enables the young people to be involved in producing and developing solutions they feel will best meet their needs," she said.

"Additionally, through involvement, the young people will have a springboard to develop interpersonal and life skills to enhance their future opportunities.”

The commission's aims include:

* Addressing the most urgent priorities effecting young people;

* Improving the county’s approach to policing and crime and their effects on young people;

* Training teachers and researchers to provide education to young people on crimefighting priorities and to gain their views;

* Working alongside the commissioner to advise on services aimed at children and young people.