HATE crime has been added to a new programme designed to help children make the transition from primary to secondary school.

The Crucial Crew workshops are designed to deliver key personal safety messages to children and are run by the North Yorkshire Police Youth Team and volunteers, supported by partner agencies.

Crucial Crew has delivered workshops to more than 200,000 pupils since it began 26-years-ago.

The new programme started in Hambleton and Richmondshire primary schools on Tuesday at RAF Leeming where it was formally opened by the Station Commander - Group Captain Arthurton.

Its launch coincides with National Hate Crime Awareness week and Superintendent Mark Khan, Hate Crime lead for North Yorkshire Police, said: “It is fantastic to hear that so many young people will learn about hate crime during Crucial Crew events.

“It is important for us to engage with children in relation to hate crime, so they can learn about prejudices at a young age and start to think about their role in combatting these prejudices.”

“Hate crime is real crime. It is not just about name calling.

“Hate crime ruins lives and we all have a responsibility to tackle it.”

Sgt Neil Northend who oversees the programme with the Youth Officers, said: “The programme is vital in encouraging good citizenship as well as protecting young people through education and awareness. “The workshops are designed to educate students in North Yorkshire to make informed decisions when faced with stressful, emotional, dangerous or ‘risky’ situations.”

The topics for the new programme are decided based on feedback from participants and input from partner agencies who work with the police to identify the main issues concerning young people.

Areas addressed include anxiety and stress, drug and alcohol misuse and fire safety.

Watch Manager Adele Kendall, prevention department at HQ, said: “North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are delighted to be involved with Crucial crew because we are passionate about delivering safety messages to children and working together with other agencies.”