More than 1,400 pupils from year six classes have been learning to protect themselves from knife crime, drugs, and other potential dangers.

The Junior Citizen project has been running sessions with youngsters from schools across the borough at Tauton Hall, Tauton Road, Harold Hill, since June 20.

On Tuesday Mayor of Havering, Cllr Philippa Crowder and borough commander Ch Supt Jason Gwillim visited a workshop.

The Junior Citizen campaign was created to educate young people at a crucial point in their educational and social development, before they move to secondary school.

Diana Egan, community safety and development manager said: “Children are very safe in Havering, but there will always be some dangers, and we have a duty to prepare our young people to recognise them – whether its drugs, gang violence, or the importance of wearing a cycle helmet.

“Our children must know how to be safe.”

Pupils from 24 local schools were faced with eight challenges related to personal safety related to the internet, public transport, fires and substance abuse as well as littering and healthy eating.

Ch Supt Gwillim said: “This is a great chance for young people to learn how to stay safe.

“It’s an invaluable opportunity for young people to interact with the police and our partners in a positive environment.”

Children were awarded points for their safety knowledge, behaviour and the way they reacted to the sessions.

The children who won the most points were given certificates and a medal along with the chance to join the Cllr Crowder and the borough commander for lunch at the Town Hall, main Road, Romford, on Tuesday July 5.

The project was run by Havering Council and the police with help from London Fire Brigade.