POLICE officers have been out in force at a York primary school to help celebrate a landmark anniversary.

Officers from the York South Team have been attending Woodthorpe Primary School and running a number of different activities to help mark the school’s 40th anniversary.

The school also had visits from York City Football Club, St John Ambulance and the fire service.

Local police officers placed emphasis on personal safety and ran a Stranger Danger poster competition, with prizes which were donated by businesses and museums around York.

Using a special kit to do CSI fingerprint bookmarks, pupils were also given a demonstration on how fingerprints can be used to solve crimes.

Role plays of scenes which officers regularly come across also took place.

Year 6 pupils also took part in a walkabout of the surrounding area to identify low level crime and the affect it has on the community. PSCO Richard Dalby, of the York South Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “This week has been a fantastic opportunity for officers to spend time with local children and educate them on police matters in a fun and safe environment.

“We are pleased to have contributed to a week of activity celebrating the school’s 40th anniversary, and look forward to visiting the pupils again soon.

“Work such as this has shown just how important and successful it is for communities to join forces with the police.”

As part of the celebrations, Michaela Dobson, of the Friends Of Woodthorpe School, organised an exhibition of newspapers cuttings, photographs and artefacts spanning the school’s life from its opening in 1969 to the present day.

Last month, pupils at the school enjoyed a week of guest authors and poets coming into school under the banner of Rocket Into Reading, to increase the children’s enthusiasm and motivation for reading.