TEACHERS swapped the classroom for the cells of Bury Police Station as part of a week-long work placement.

Seven teachers from primary schools across the borough got the lowdown on law and order this week as part of their GNVQ studies.

The first three days were spent learning about the structure and working of a modern police force.

They looked at the work of such specialised departments as CID, the crime management unit, the traffic unit, the mounted section, the community affairs department and scenes of crime.

A visit to the cells and the stables was also included.

Yesterday, March 11, the teachers got a taste of life on the beat when they shadowed a patrolling police officer for a full eight or ten-hour shift.

It gave them an insight into the variety of tasks a police officer has to deal with during a working day.

And today the course will culminate with a full evaluation.

The week was organised by schools liaison officer PC George Evans in conjunction with Bury and Bolton Chamber.

PC Evans said: "The teachers seemed to find it tremendously interesting as it was something new to them."

He added: "Through running this course we hope to encourage schools to involve us more with the personal and social education of their pupils."

Our picture shows the Cagney and Lacey of Bury Local Education Authority - Mrs Heather Jakeway of Radcliffe Hall CE Methodist Primary School (left) and Mrs Jackie Owen of Radcliffe Hall CE Methodist Primary School at the wheel of a patrol car with PC Evans.

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