Ottery beavers have been learning to stay safe with the help of a town PCSO.

Sidmouth Herald: PCSO Jonathan Sims visited the Pathfinders beaver group to help them with their safety badge.PCSO Jonathan Sims visited the Pathfinders beaver group to help them with their safety badge. (Image: Archant)

PCSO Jonathan Sims dropped in to see the Pathfinder beaver colony to talk about his work as part of their safety badge.

The youngsters had been learning about water safety and the Green Cross Code and also had the chance to look in the police car and see the equipment the officer uses to help keep the community safe.

PCSO Sims said it was important to engage with children as they can be scared of the police if they have been told officers will take them away if they misbehave.

He said: “We do not like that message being delivered - it makes young people sacred of the police when we do not want them to be. We want them to be able to call us and that we are their friend. We keep people safe; it’s definitely not all about arresting people, we spend more time helping people keeping them safe than arresting.”

Sidmouth Herald: PCSO Jonathan Sims visited the Pathfinders beaver group to help them with their safety badge.PCSO Jonathan Sims visited the Pathfinders beaver group to help them with their safety badge. (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: PCSO Jonathan Sims visited the Pathfinders beaver group to help them with their safety badge.PCSO Jonathan Sims visited the Pathfinders beaver group to help them with their safety badge. (Image: Archant)