Children from schools across Hitchin and the surrounding villages came together for a community rugby festival organised by the local neighbourhood policing team.

The event, hosted at Hitchin Rugby Club on Thursday 30 April, saw pupils take part in a day of tag rugby designed to promote teamwork, confidence and positive engagement with police officers.

Youngsters were coached by professional players from Bedford Blues before competing in a friendly tournament against fellow schools.

Kimpton Primary School successfully defended their title, securing a second consecutive victory at the festival.

Away from the rugby pitches, pupils were also given a behind-the-scenes look at policing. Officers delivered safety talks and invited children to explore a PSU van, try on police uniforms and take a look inside the Rural Operational Support Team's specialist 4x4 vehicle.

PCSO Nat Skinner said the event highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with young people. She said: "Events like this play an important role in policing by building positive relationships with young people from an early age.

"By engaging children in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, officers are able to break down barriers, build trust and encourage open conversations around safety and wellbeing.

"This early engagement helps young people feel more confident approaching police in the future, promotes respect for one another, and supports long-term crime prevention by fostering positive perceptions of policing within the community.

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"We'd like to thank everyone who attended and supported the event. It was a fantastic day, and we hope all the children took away valuable experiences and lasting enjoyment from taking part."