Officers from Overton ward launched the scheme on Tuesday with a surgery and walkabout during lunch hour at Maelor School in Penley.

Police community support officer Emily Williams told the Leader that the police wanted to break down the barriers between them and the children and be available to talk to them about any concerns they may have.

They will be holding fortnightly surgeries at the school where pupils can speak about issues in confidence and walking around the school yard so that children can chat to officers informally.

Last week letters went out to pupils to inform them of the new initiative and officers also attended assemblies with years seven, eight, nine and 10 to let them know why the police will be around.

Officers will also be joining pupils travelling to the school on school buses. Similar schemes are already in place in Ruabon and Chirk.

"The launch went really well," said PCSO Williams.

"I think once the children get used to seeing us about the school it will go better and more will approach us. At the moment they're getting used to seeing us about.

"We had a couple of children come for a chat. It's good for them to get to know us, they can put a face to our names now and in the future if they need to speak to us we will be more known to them.

"The headteacher and deputy head at the school are very pleased that the initiative is taking place."