PUPILS at Harwich and Dovercourt High School now have access to their own dedicated police officer.

The high school has joined Clacton County High School in taking on PC Alan Williams.

PC Williams has been based at the Clacton school since 2007.

Now he will also work with Harwich and the Colne Community School and College in Brightlingsea after Essex Police approached both schools.

His role involves educating pupils on issues like knife crime and cyber bullying.

He said: “Many secondary schools in Essex and in fact throughout the UK have a dedicated police officers working with them or based in the school.

“This is not a reflection of the school being unsafe - it is about Essex Police being dedicated to engaging with young people and giving advice, guidance and enhancing their life skills, and no doubt deterring some away from future offending.”