Police will be walking the corridors and playing fields of Nottinghamshire schools this term to tackle truancy, drug-dealing and bullying.

The pilot project will see officers assigned to any school in the county that wants a regular police presence.

Nottinghamshire Police are starting the school patrols because problems like truancy can often lead to crime.

Chief Inspector Dave Gilbert said: "In the past we concentrated on lifeskills education, but we want to take a more high-profile role in schools and take on issues like truancy."

Invitation only

"We want officers to be seen in school and for children to feel safe as a result."

"It will be by invitation only and if the school says: 'No we don't want you,' then we cannot impose ourselves on them."

The police will also offer lessons on dealing with violence and aggression and respect for property as part of the project.

The police will give special attention to schools that have been hit by arson or vandalism.

The idea already been tested out in one Nottinghamshire school where it proved successful, Mr Gilbert said.