Police dogs visit prize-winner at Newcastle school

Two police dogs have made a special visit to a Newcastle school as a prize for the winner of a force-led colouring competition.

PD Tiger and PD Archie made the visit to Ellison Primary Academy in Ellison Street, Newcastle, on 15 June.

The visit was a surprise to competition winner seven-year-old Aria, who impressed the judges with her 3D police-themed design.

PC Natasha Egar, who helped organise the competition, said: “Aria’s entry was really impressive and an out-of-the-ordinary entry which really captured the imagination.”

Dog-handler, PC Rob Mountford, was pleased to make the visit with the police dogs and spent some time with school children outdoors, demonstrating some of the tasks and tricks the PDs are able to carry out.  

He said: “It was brilliant to see the children so captivated by the dogs, and to show them the types of work that they do, while also recognising all the fantastic entries that the pupils submitted to the competition.”

PC Egar added: “It was such a lovely day and great to be able to go out to the school and engage with the pupils for the first time in a long while, due to the covid-19 pandemic.

“The visit was covid safe, conducted outside, with social-distancing between officers and pupils, and it really helped us see how life is returning to a sort of new normal within our communities.

“I think the class was the envy of the school that day, and Aria couldn’t believe that she had won!”

The competition was run in partnership with Morrisons in Newcastle who kindly donated a £15 Kids’ Choice voucher and an activity book to Aria alongside her prize-winning visit.

Second prize was won by 8-year-old Kayleigh of St Margaret’s C of E Junior School, who is to receive a paint book, play dough, and confectionery for her entry.

While the youngster in third place, Sophia of Ravensmead Primary School, received some art materials including crayons, paints, glitter and paint brushes. 

The Community Champions at Morrisons, on Goose Street, who arranged the prizes, said: “We have loved seeing all the things the children have created and the talent the children have shown has been amazing.

“During covid it has been hard for everyone and to be involved in this competition has helped the children to focus on something else.

“All the entries were amazing and it must of been so hard to pick the winners.

“Well done to all the children who took part!”

To find out more information about community policing in your area, visit Staffordshire Police’s website at: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/.