YOUNGSTERS were transformed into police officers for a morning as they took front seat in a police car and learned about how to stay safe.

PCSOs John Nicholson and Nafisa Chhoangalia along with Pippa the panda, GMP’s mascot, spent the morning at Broad Oak Nursery, Highfield Road, Farnworth.

About 25 children, aged three and four, tried on police hats, pretended they were responding to emergency call-outs while sat in a police car, and learned about crossing roads.

Vanessa Kilroy, the nursery manager, said: “The children loved the visit from the police.

"The officers talked to the children about crossing the road and putting seatbelts on in the car.

"They also talked about strangers. Every child sat in the police car, the sirens were put on for them and they tried on police hats.

"The girls loved Pippa the panda and kept hugging her.

"It is the first time the police have been to the nursery.

"Since the visit the children have been introducing what they have learned into play, especially the boys who have been chasing robbers.”