SALISBURY pupils at St Osmund’s Catholic Primary School had an arresting day in the classroom.

Year 4 children were visited by Sergeant Richard Goodman and PCSO Ollie Dury as part of a combined visit focusing on local history and British values.

They had been interested in comparing the city's Victorian police force to today’s officers.

Spencer Mulholland, a local historian, showed photos of police at events in Salisbury’s history.

The school says the children were amazed at how different the uniforms and equipment were.

They had the opportunity to ask the officers questions and were shown the types of equipment they carry.

Pupil Anna Shibu said: “The technology was really interesting – radios, surveillance and computer databases are all things which old fashioned officers could never have imagined.”

However, the highlight of the visit was seeing their teacher, Mrs Allexant, in handcuffs and wearing a police hat.

No-one actually said, “You’re nicked!” but they all had a chance to experience wearing the handcuffs for themselves.

The pupils said they had an fantastic experience which made their learning come alive.