SCHOOLCHILDREN in an East Lancashire town have been asked to help police protect their schools from summertime vandals.

Following on from the launch of Operation Caretaker, which is in its second year, police have visited three schools in Accrington's Fern Gore estate to tell children how they can help.

PC Jane Lawrenson, of Accrington police, and Mel Jeffrey, an air observer, attended Mount Carmel High School, St Peter's Primary School and St Oswald's Primary School. Six of the pupils were invited to Warton where the police helicopter is based as part of the project.

The scheme involves the force helicopter providing overhead support for schools against summertime problems and pupils were told to help police by alerting them if they saw any strangers in or around the schools. Posters will also be displayed in schools warning potential troublemakers that they and the schools will be being watched.

Twelve schools in East Lancashire which are classed as vulnerable are to be targeted by the eye in the sky this year.

Recent figures from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service show Hyndburn and Blackburn have the most incidents of arson on its schools compared to other areas in the county, and are a massive drain on resources.

But other schools such as those in Fern Gore will also be looked over by the helicopter as a preventative measure and to reassure residents in the area.

PC Lawrenson said: "There had been problems on the Fern Gore estate but crime figures were reduced after last year's operation so I have asked the helicopter to cover the area as a preventative measure this year."