PUPILS from a Kent school today visited the county's police headquarters in Sutton Road, Maidstone, to help the Kent Police Authority celebrate 150 years of policing.

Pupils aged between seven and 10 from Maidstone's Oak Trees Community School met with the chair of the police authority, Ann Barnes, and Chief Constable Mike Fuller. The pupils where given guidance on planting and each took a turn to help complete the 7,000 bulbs required to create the shape of the Kent Police shield.

Ms Barnes and Mr Fuller also unveiled a sundial in the memorial garden to remember those police officers who have lost their lives during service.

They also presented pupils with their own memento from the day - with a 150th anniversary pack containing a trowel and fork.

Ms Barnes said: "The authority is really pleased to be here to help mark the anniversary of 150 years of policing.

These school children are our next generation and potentially our future police officers.

"It was a pleasure to not only educate them as to planting but to help hopefully spread the message of just how long the police have been in operation for."

Jane Curtis, head teacher at Oak Trees, said: "We are delighted to have been asked to take part in this celebration. The pupils really enjoyed the visit and the opportunity to plant the shield."