IT'S helped and supported young people across Wiltshire for decades.

And now the Junior Citizen Scheme's 30th anniversary will be marked with a celebratory tea party.

Dignitaries, Wiltshire Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson will attend on June 8 from 1.30pm.

Mr Macpherson said: “I’m thrilled to be attending Swindon’s Junior Good Citizen in its 30th anniversary year and am looking forward to celebrating with all involved, including the youngsters and those who help coordinate the activities.

“The emphasis is on the youngsters actively participating and thinking for themselves, as well as pointing out the various dangers.

"It is a great way of informing about a wide range of personal and community safety issues and promotes the values of good citizenship.”

The Junior Good Citizen scheme is designed to engage young people in a fun learning environment and equip them with life skills as they make their transition from primary to secondary education.

The children take part in simulated life-like scenarios to raise their awareness of the preventing crime and increasing their own safety.

The multi-agency scheme, funded by the office of the police and crime commissioner, sees schools, emergency services and local authorities work together to educate children aged 10 and 11 to better safeguard themselves.

On the big day, there will be a chance to see some of the scenarios in action before the celebrations take place.

They include:

n Personal safety – Wiltshire Police

n Dog safety – Swindon Borough Council & Blue Cross animal rescue

n Internet safety – Swindon Local Safeguarding Children Board

n Road safety – Swindon Borough Council

n Electrical safety – Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

n Railway safety – British Transport Police

n Weapons awareness – Youth Offending Team & Community Safety Partnership

n Envirocrime – Swindon Borough Council

Students from across Swindon schools will take part.

Junior Good Citizen takes place over a two-week period between June 4 and June 15 at the Punjabi Community Centre in Gorse Hill.