Teenage crimebusters are joining the fight against car theft and burglary by going out on the beat with police.

The pioneering 'police academy' scheme will see a group of 15 students from Baildon's Salt Grammar School hitting the streets of Saltaire with officers.

The teenagers were today distributing leaflets to homes in a bid to recruit residents to new Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

The 14- and 15-year-olds were also giving out crime-prevention leaflets to motorists parked in the historic village.

Accompanied by the Keighley police division's schools liaison officer, PC Richard Berry, and staff from Salt Grammar, they were being joined by two students each from Oakbank and Greenhead schools in Keighley.

The youngsters are taking part to fulfil the community section of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

PC Berry said: "There's only one Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Saltaire so the aim of the leaflet drop is to heighten residents' awareness and hopefully increase the number in operation in the village.

"With Saltaire being a bit of a vehicle-crime hot spot, we'll also be handing out information to residents and visitors on car crime and vehicle security. We'll be going back on a weekday over the next few weeks to make sure the same advice is given to people working in the village.''

He said while young people were often portrayed in a negative light the initiative would help show residents that many of them were prepared to do something positive.

Teacher Greg Trusselle said: "This initiative will help make the students aware of community responsibility and how everyone working together can hopefully prevent crime."