Book written by school children launched in Caerphilly’s libraries

A book written with children from Lansbury Park is now available at Caerphilly’s libraries.

The book, Llamas, litter picking and the mini police, was a collaboration between author Mike Church, children from St James Primary School and Gwent Police. The story is about a young girl who joins her school’s Mini Police unit and focuses on the importance of doing the right thing and helping the community.

It was published by Bargoed-based PETRA Publishing in 2019 but will now be available to children across Caerphilly to read for the first time.

The books were delivered to the library by Mini Police or ‘Heddlu Bach’ from St James Primary School.

The idea for the project originally came from community support officer Sarah Barbour who covers the St James ward. She said: “The idea was to get the children thinking and talking about their community, and how their actions may affect others.

“The book was a real labour of love and it is fantastic that it will now be available for children across Caerphilly to enjoy.”

The Mini Police scheme was instigated in Gwent by Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert and there are now more than 150 Mini Police units in schools across the region.

Jeff Cuthbert said: “I am incredibly proud to have instigated the Mini Police scheme. It helps to breakdown barriers and build trust between children and the police, but also gives children an opportunity to build their confidence and learn new skills.

“I hope that children in Caerphilly read this book and are inspired to join the Mini Police unit at their own schools.”