SECURITY at Needham Market middle school has been stepped up thanks to a group of crime-busting pupils.A £700 door entry system has been installed, enabling visitors to be automatically allowed entry into the building after being viewed on closed circuit television.

SECURITY at Needham Market middle school has been stepped up thanks to a group of crime-busting pupils.

A £700 door entry system has been installed, enabling visitors to be automatically allowed entry into the building after being viewed on closed circuit television.

The new equipment is being paid for by the neighbourhood watch-organised Kids Who Care Club, which meets at the middle school for one hour each week.

The 18-strong group, who are all pupils at the school, focus on various crime fighting schemes as part of moves to promote values of citizenship.

Organiser Jenny Straughier, of Park Road, Needham Market, said: "We're pleased to help and it's about making sure everybody is safe at the school. It gives the children a sense of belonging because they are actually doing something for their school.

"We take citizenship a step further by actually going out into the community and doing things."

The new set-up has been paid for by the school but the group, which has been running for three years, is fundraising to meet the cost.

So far around £100 has been raised and future activities are planned to boost the figure.

Headteacher Sue Hull welcomed the backing of the club.

She said: "It's of great benefit to everyone. We decided to improve the security and this is fantastic. It's made a huge difference.

"The Kids Who Care Club are great and they've helped the school a lot over the past two to three years. It's a great example of citizenship."

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