Students Creating Safer Communities and Making Their Schools Proud

Two students from Tadcaster Grammar School took part in the North Yorkshire Police Lifestyle Challenge competition.
Year 8 students Dean Best and Andrew Worsley, together with Luke Hebbron and Josh Bradley from Sherburn High School and Jordan Parkinson from Selby High School made up the ‘Ice Warriors’ team and decided they wanted to tackle the vandalised area outside the library in Sherburn-In-Elmet.
The boys wrote letters to local retailers asking for help with plants and refreshments, spoke to local parish councillors and PCSO’s to arrange help for the project and engaged local people to provide gardening and other equipment. Stonework was replaced and litter and weeds were removed by the boys who were determined to show that not all young people are involved in anti-social behaviour. They created a safe, hazard –free area to be enjoyed by local people.
This project was the boys’ idea and they got the local community involved, sourced the necessary goods and broke down barriers between the elderly and young people. They created community cohesion and continue to maintain the area making it feel safe.
It was hard work, but they learnt the importance of community teamwork and had lots of fun in the process, working throughout the summer.
Not only did Team Ice Warriors receive Argos gift vouchers as the prize for entering the Lifestyle project with North Yorkshire Police, but as the North Yorkshire finalists they were entered into a National competition called Crimebeat. Many teams from around the country entered the competition and the finalists were invited to the ceremony in London which was held on 15 March.
“We came third and won £500 to spend on projects within our community,” said Andrew.
As part of their prize they also went on a tour of London on an open top bus and enjoyed the stunning views from the London Eye.
“We had a fantastic trip and can’t wait to do something good in the community with our money,” said Dean.