Youngsters will be asked to adopt railway and bus stations in a bid to cut vandalism, theft and trespassing.

They could also become 'mums and dads' of bus shelters and car parks in a pioneering scheme being drawn up by transport chiefs.

The children from Bradford and across West Yorkshire could take over their new duties as the "eyes and ears" for the transport services later this year.

The young troubleshooters will work in groups with one adult and report problems to free lines at Metro, British Transport Police and West Yorkshire Police.

Children of all ages will take part in the project - the first of its type in the county - and schools will shortly receive letters inviting them to take part.

The initiative will get a big official launch when it swings into operation.

Organisers are looking at schools, where children could be accompanied by teachers, or organisations such as scout and cub groups, where leaders could go with a team.

They stress that the groups should not take the law into their own hands, merely report immediately to the hotlines.

A Metro spokesman said: "A lot of people are good at reporting things and we have stepped up closed circuit television systems. But we feel this scheme will make us aware of other problems and will give the children an important sense of ownership. We will give them guidelines on what to look for."

The scheme - which will work in partnership with the police, transport police, West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority and bus and rail operators - would include lessons about safety on public transport.

PC Steve Waring, British Transport Police area community safety office, said it was also hoped to cut down thefts in park and ride stations. "We think the scheme will increase confidence in public transport," he said.

Children would often notice items like broken glass in bus shelters which might not otherwise be reported immediately and would go round with clipboards recording problems.

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