Members of Nottinghamshire’s Mini Police cadet force helped to spread some Festive cheer in Mansfield town centre – by serenading cold and wet shoppers with a range of Christmas carols.

The children, pupils at Wainwright Primary Academy, Mansfield, braved a wet and windy afternoon to give a rousing performance at the town centre Christmas market.

Supported by their parents, teachers and members of the Mansfield town centre policing team, they made light of a last-minute venue change and sang for around an hour on Tuesday afternoon.

The event was part of a wider programme of activities organised by the Nottinghamshire Police Cadets – a nationally recognised youth group that gives children the chance to learn more about the police and take part in community related activities.

The Mini Police, operated in partnership with local primary schools, are the youngest of the force’s cadets.

Helen Ridley, partnership officer at Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The Mini Police programme is a really fun way of introducing children to what modern policing is all about. It gives them an opportunity to learn about their safety, their role within their community and how officers work to keep them and their families safe.

“Our initial plan was to have the children singing outside, but as things turned out we were all grateful for a last-minute move into the Christmas market entertainment tent.

“It was also great to see so many members of the town centre policing team supporting them on the day – and even joining them on stage. I would like to thank PC Kev Marshall and PCSO Romek Kordecki for all their help in organising the event.”

Once they had finished singing the children enjoyed a meal at McDonald’s – thanks to a donation by Councillor Marion Bradshaw.

Julia Hallam, of the academy, said: “Here at Wainwright we are delighted to have been chosen to take part in the mini police programme. The programme will give the children so many positive experiences of policing and get us further involved in the local community.

“The carol service was our first mini policing event, which despite the weather was a huge success. The children sang so beautifully in front of an audience full of family, friends and members of the local community.

“Special thanks to Coun Marion Bradshaw and her husband for their continued support. The children enjoyed a visit to McDonald’s and a selection box after the performance, which was gifted by Marion.”