SCHOOLCHILDREN in Portishead learnt about the consequences of crime as part of a new police initiative.

The children at St Joseph’s Primary School were some of the first in the Avon and Somerset force area to receive the lessons from officers, which saw them learn about peer pressure, truancy and personal safety. They were also taught how the youth justice system works.

The lessons are now being rolled out to children aged 10 and 11 at schools in the area over the coming months.

Inspector Kerry Patterson said: “This is a really great opportunity to speak to children before they start secondary school, to make sure they understand the long-term consequences of criminal behaviour.

“Ten years is the age of criminal responsibility and having a criminal record can affect your future job prospects and prevent you from entering some other countries.”