Children's lives are being turned around thanks to a Police project operating on one of Maryport's most deprived estates.

Ewanrigg Primary School has embraced the Mini Police programme and the results have been incredible, organiser Allison Lancaster said.

The school has won two of the three annual Mini Police awards for 2019. They have been judged the best overall Mini Police team and Bobby Parker, 11, was named Mini Police officer of the year.

Bobby has been hailed as an example of what this programme can do.

He was disengaged, so no point in education and, according to PCSO Emma Light, could just have easily chosen to head down the wrong path in life.

His teachers said they worried about his attitude and his future.

In the words used for his nomination, staff now say: "Since becoming a Mini Police officer, Bobby has become a model pupil. He tries hard

within his lessons and takes his responsibility very seriously. He is now a kind, helpful, considerate and hardworking individual. "

He has also become a model and moral citizen in his community, including finding needles on the streets to reporting a car rolling down the road.

"Bobby has made a positive impact on peers and children aspire to be like him," his nomination says.

children within school recognise the difference in his character and his behaviours.

"I didn't like school. It was boring.Now I work hard, my school work has improved and I like coming to school", Bobby said.

"I have to learn because I want to be a Policeman."

He is not the only child at Ewanrigg to have benefitted, however.

The entire team has been voted the best in Cumbria.

Mrs Lancaster said the programme takes a lot of time and commitment but is worth it.

"We have really bought into it because is is one of the most empowering projects that our school has been part of. We are so proud of the improvements made- not only on an individual level but also the team work shown."

Some of the shyest children have spoken in front of large audiences, explaining the team. They have worked wit the PCSOs trying to engage the public and find out what the priorities for the town should be. They have carried out many tasks, helped in the school visited, had visits from branches of the Police and been involved in community projects such clean-ups and Macmillan teas.

Mrs Lancaster said: "The scheme started this school year. We can take a maximum of 20. These children have performed so well that we have had to put out application forms for the coming year - and the children will undergo official interviews."

The third annual award, for PCSO of the year, has gone to Workington's Alison Renney, for her work with Victoria Junior School.