YOUNG people in Ross-on-Wye are getting first-hand experience of the fight against crime, thanks to a pioneering initiative from the town's Police force.

Pc John Cooper and the bobbies at Ross Police Station are taking 14- to 16-year-olds out on the beat to give them a close-up look at the police's role in the community.

"The idea is to make youngsters more aware of the constraints and restrictions applied to us by the law and how we put this into practice," explained Pc Cooper.

The first teenager to take part in the 'Teambeat' scheme was Luke Deloyde, pictured right, who joined Pc Cooper on patrol.