ELEVEN-year-olds starting at secondary school are being given "police protection".

Operation Sayhem was launched in Bury on Monday, Sept 1, and will run until September 12.

The operation is aimed at reducing acts of violence and bullying against Year Seven pupils and making them feel more comfortable in their first few days at high school.

Police and community safety officers will patrol at all high schools in the borough as pupils arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon and during lunch periods. Officers will also step up patrols at Bury Interchange, the Metrolink stations and school bus stops.

The "Fresher Fortnight" is the idea of the new head of Bury police, Chief Superintendent Andy Holt. The scheme proved successful last year when it was implemented in his former South Manchester division. He said: "Operation Sayhem is aimed at protecting young people transferring from junior to high school. It is also designed to help to reduce acts of violence, theft, assault, bullying, anti-social behaviour around schools and local hotspots and provide a safer environment.

"We want to provide advice and information to ensure those new high school students, who are potential victims of crime, are provided with the skills and understanding to prevent them from adding to victim statistics."

As many police officers as possible will be involved in Operation Sayhem, co-ordinated by the schools liaison officer PC Roy Cross.