A project to involve young people in keeping their communities safe was launched today.

Peter McCall, Cumbria's police and crime commissioner, spoke to young people at Workington Academy about the newly established Cumbria Youth Commission.

He said: "The objective of the presentations this week is to raise awareness amongst 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.

"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."

Mr McCall will also be speaking to other schools and community groups across the county to get young people involved in the project.

A spokesman for the police and crime commissioner's office, said: "People can nominate themselves to be part of the commission.

"They will be looking at what are the important things for young people in their area.

"One of the things we are keen to work on is sexting, we've been asking ourselves how we can get young people to understand that sending pictures of themselves without clothes on is against the law if they're under 16. We want to get that message across and help them understand the risks associated with sexting."

The project will be delivered by Young Cumbria.

Lynsey Crosthwaite, from Young Cumbria, said: "The Cumbria Youth Commission provides young people in Cumbria with a unique opportunity to work alongside the Police and 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. Additionally, through involvement the young people will have a springboard to develop interpersonal and life skills to enhance their future opportunities."