The Neighbourhood Specialist Team has run a series of one week youth projects at Helenswood, The Grove and Thomas Peacock secondary schools .

In addition the Hastings Youth University, based at Helenswood School, has been working with the police team since January providing Supersleuth sessions on Saturday afternoons.

The project involves the arrest of a 'real' offender, the subsequent investigation and a realistic court case.

Said a spokesman: "The aims are to learn about practical policing, build up relationships between youngsters and local officers, encourage responsible citizenship and build up personal confidence.

"The main aim though is to provide a course which is a lot of fun and which builds engagement with the youngsters."

In July a Supersleuth project was arranged specifically for young people who attend the local Mosque, with the Grove School as the venue.
School visits to the Mosque are now planned for the future.

Inspector Warren Franklin said: "This is a fantastic course delivered by motivated and inspired staff.

"You cannot put a value on the benefit of this engagement and this has definitely improved community cohesion locally.

"By forming and establishing relationships that overcome ignorance and fear, this is definitely a model that would be of benefit not only across the force, but also regionally and nationally."

A spokesman from the Mosque said: "The Supersleuth course was very exciting for parents and children to see how the police and criminal justice system worked.

"As a result of being involved in this course, the children came out more confident and appreciative of the issues involved. In addition to this the children learnt about self defence and staying safe.

"This was a real highlight of the summer holidays for all that took part. I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone involved and we look forward to future events and closer links."

The Hastings pollice team has now started to support Rother police in running similar courses in their area.