Ealing has become the first borough in London to launch the Junior Volunteer Police Cadets programme in a primary school.

Officers from the Met police in the borough paid a visit to Mayfield Primary School in Hanwell on November 26 after the programme was endorsed in September.

The programme for year six pupils, which police claim is the first of its kind in a Primary School, meets for an hour every Thursday after school to learn drill, team work, police-related topics, first aid and sport.

Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, who visited the school and is head of youth engagement for Territorial Policing, said: "It was a privilege to visit the Junior Cadets at Mayfield Primary School.

"They were so enthusiastic and keen to learn about the important role the police play in helping keep people safe.

"Our senior cadet taught them drill and they finished off with a game. I only wish I still had their energy."

It means that the youngsters who take part join the Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) family, a uniformed voluntary youth organisation supported by the Met.

The launch came shortly before a second junior unit was opened at Christ The Saviour Primary School, with further units opening in high schools across the borough.

As it stands, Ealing has 111 junior cadets in primary and high schools with numbers still growing.

Ealing Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Paul Martin, said: "I am proud to see the expansion of the Volunteer Police Cadets within the borough of Ealing.

"My officers and staff work hard to enable the cadets to be the best they can be, helping to steer them towards a positive future."