LATER buses, more street lights and safer streets were just some of the issues raised by pupils at Thomas Keble School during a special police and community meeting this week.

Those responsible for combating crime and keeping Stroud safe met with year 11 students from the Eastcombe secondary school to discuss their concerns and issues regarding policing in the area.

In this district-first police and community consultative meeting (PCCM) aimed specifically at the youth viewpoint questions from the floor began to flow freely once some initial jargon had been quickly jettisoned.

Pupils asked an array questions including what the police spend their money on, how the powers of neighbourhood wardens and police officers vary and whether the legal age for driving or buying cigarettes is likely to increase.

Pupils were handed theft alarms to attach to their iPods or mobile phones as well as ultra-violet pens to mark their valuable possessions.

"They told us a lot of useful information and now I feel I know where to go to find other things out," said pupil Harriet Ward, 15.

"I think everybody should have something like this," added Mel Clarke, 15.

Chairing the meeting - which included representatives from the police, Stroud District Council's community safety department and neighbourhood watch - was Stroud Inspector Mark Wilson who believed the meeting was a success.

"We wanted to give them enough so they have an idea of the crime problems but also to give them something they could use.

"We will probably do another one at some point and we are hoping to get police officers into schools as part of their work - just for an informal chat with staff and kids over a cup of tea."