PRIME Minister Tony Blair has given his full backing to an initiative to place crime fighting lessons on the school curriculum.

Mr Blair sent a message to the Durham Constabulary Police and Schools Liaison Programme to endorse its launch this week.

Tony Blair's message said: "When I was at school I well remember the visit of the local bobby, the cycling proficiency tests, the road safety talks, all of these helped to establish a bond between pupils and the police, a bond which has disappeared somewhat over recent years.

"Now the launch of the Schools Liaison Programme will resurrect this bond as its aim is to involve young people in fostering positive relationships between schools and the police.

"The three core topics of citizenship, personal safety and drugs will not only help young people to survive better in today's world, but they will also enable the student to be in a position where they can make a valuable contribution to their local community and to society as a whole."

Teachers and police officers gathered in Sedgefield for the launch of the scheme.

Durham Chief Constable George Hedges said: "It isn't just about the classroom activity. I want police officers to be in the playground, outside the school gates and talking to the parents - I want them to be a real, integral part of what's going on.

"If the cop walking down Darlington high street is called by his first name by kids, that's an outcome."

Keith Mitchell and Geoff Pennington, directors of education at Durham and Darlington respectively, were at the launch, which included a series of workshops on how policing issues can be integrated into lessons.

Mr Mitchell said the initiative was not intended as an "add-on" to normal lessons, but central to the learning experience.