Paul Beddow, detective chief inspector with Hartlepool Police, is the first to admit he was "a bit of a tearaway" in his school days, but he quickly learned the error of his ways and went on to carve out a successful career in the police force.

Now Det Chf Insp Beddow, who grew up in the Fens area of town, is working alongside a group of Year 7 students from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College in Catcote Road as part of an ongoing programme to improve their understanding of their town and the people who contribute to its success.

Students have been looking at a number of topical and often sensitive issues around teenagers growing up in the town at this time, and have really benefited from their participation in the group.

Deputy headteacher Peter McMahon said: "Improving social cohesion is a key part of the national government's agenda for the future and we are glad to be able to move this agenda forward in such a positive way."

As part of the programme, the students visited the mosque in Brougham Terrace, in Hartlepool, for a session on racism.

Det Chf Insp Beddow said: "The boys in the group were very mature in sharing their thoughts, and it was their suggestion that a trip to the mosque would help their knowledge and appreciation of other faith communities.

"It has been a very worthwhile project working alongside the students, and I can tell them I was a bit of a tearaway in my younger days so I know the temptations and problems that teenagers face.

"The group have been very keen to listen and learn, and if the advice being passed onto them can be beneficial in later life then the whole exercise will have been worthwhile."