Operation Roleplay - Blackpool children become 'Cops for a day'

• Video report by Granada Reports journalist Tim Scott

Children in Blackpool have had the chance to see what it is like to be a police officer after a special station was set up.

Operation Roleplay, launched as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week, saw The Grange Community Centre turn into a police station, but by Blackpool Police Cadets.

The 'station' had a number of activities available for children - between four and 11 - who were issued with their own warrant card and uniform when they arrived.

They got a look at how fingerprinting works and also got the chance to 'solve crimes' like recovering a stolen bike and finding a missing person.

They also got the chance to spend some time in handcuffs in a 'police cell'

Inspector Jon Campbell-Smith said: "Neighbourhood policing is such a key part of our force and allows us to really get to know our communities and what matters the most to them.

"Community engagement is so important to us, so hosting an event such as this one is a great way for us to meet our residents.

"What's more is children in the local community can experience some exciting aspects of policing, whilst learning new skills along the way".