DUDLEY schoolchildren are to get their own newspaper encouraging them to stay safe and act responsibly.

The eight-page 'Safe Street News' has been put together by West Midlands Police and is aimed at five to 11 year-olds.

The bright and colourful paper, which features stories, competitions, a problem page and questionnaires is aimed at getting children to think about staying safe and carries the theme of community spirit.

It is also hoped the paper will steer young readers towards the force's new interactive children's website - safestreet.info - which both signify the forces commitment to tackling the causes and effects of anti-social behaviour.

And as well as the paper, the force has launched its own version of Top Trumps collector cards called copper cards.

The cards feature characters from the Safe Street website and can be found in schools and police stations. Children are also being encouraged to approach police officers on the street to ask for a copper card.

Communications Manager Aneka Anderson said: ““We’re trying to be positive with children and encourage them to come to their own conclusions instead of preaching to them.”

She added: “The copper cards, newspaper and website also let kids know about the role of the police in society and hopefully this will encourage positive experiences for the children.”