SOLDIERS have been drafted in to help police teach youngsters to respect a war memorial.

Youths regularly congregate at Hartlepool’s centotaph, and soldiers from the Queen’s Royal Lancers, at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, spent the day with them.

Inspector Tony Green, of Hartlepool police, said officers felt bringing in soldiers who had fought for the country would help the youngsters understand the sacrifices made by people named on the memorial.

Captain Christopher Kierstead, of the Queen’s Royal Lancers, said: “Each name on the cenotaph represents someone’s son or daughter who has died for this country.”