The Northumbria Police Charities Fund was asked to provide computer equipment, a laptop and memory sticks for students aged from 15 to 18 from Tyne Metropolitan College in North Tyneside.

Wallsend Neighbourhood Policing Team are regular visitors to the college, talking to students about their role and were pleased to come to their educational aid.

Neighbourhood Inspector Mick Todd said: "Officers patrol the whole area of Wallsend including the college and felt these youngsters deserved help from the police charities fund.

"We've spent time with these students talking about how the police help all sections of the community and we're now getting to know these individuals and they're gaining in confidence."

The college helps students by promoting personal development to help young people to learn to live independently and become aware of vocational training.

They also run a Certificate in Learning Skills, designed to meet the needs of learners who are identified as having Aspergers Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Communication Difficulties, with the main focus of the course being aimed at personal and social communication skills, and the Preparation for Employment course.

Penny Blackburn, the course tutor for preparation for employment, told the News Guardian this week: "The laptop will be used to help students with learning difficulties to improve their work and achieve their qualifications.

"The young people appreciate the practical help given by the charity fund as well as the time given up by the individual officers who have worked with them.

"The students really enjoyed meeting the policing team, and were proud of being able work with them as part of the community clean up in July."

The charities committee helps individuals, organisations and good causes throughout the Northumbria Police area.