Criminals beware - the next generation of police academy graduates could soon be on your tail.

Year five pupils at Muschamp primary school had their passing out parade last week and were given a formal inspection by Sutton safer neighbourhood inspector Neil Tyre.

In front of the mayor of Sutton, Councillor Sean Brennan, the pupils were given certificates, medals and trophies for taking part in the 10-week after-school club hosted by PCSOs Vanessa Lewis and Laura Stevens, of The Wrythe Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

Youngsters were taught about the police role in the community and got the chance to meet police dogs and were drilled into the art of marching ready for their closing ceremony.

The Mayor said: "It's particularly great to see the pupils and the police cadets working closely together - with the cadets being excellent role model.

"We are one of the first boroughs to be doing this and it's great to see it happening."

Headteacher, Heidi Westley, told parents that the children had learnt a little bit more each week and got more involved each time.

She said: "It's really great for the children.

"They have learnt a lot about self control and discipline and about how the police operate. It’s led to a few of them to aspire to be police officers.

"They have thoroughly enjoyed it."