A crime-preventing initiative has celebrated its tenth anniversary - with the children taking part as enthusiastic as ever.

All ears - children at Harwich Community School listen to police officer Sarah Collins as part of the tenth anniversary of the Rhyme Against Crime initiative. Picture: STEVE BRADING 41395-a

Rhyme Against Crime was first started in seven schools across Harwich and Dovercourt in 1996. It encourages children aged seven to 11 to write poems on particular crime issues, with the best making it into a published book.

The 2005 scheme, which focuses on anti-social behaviour, began yesterday with a presentation to children at Harwich Community Primary School.

Organiser Garry Calver, a town councillor, said: "The important thing is that they are still up for it. The children were as engaged as with us as they were back in 1996."

Approximately 3,500 children have taken part in Rhyme Against Crime since it started, with the idea receiving interest from as far afield as Northern Ireland.

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Published Tuesday, March 1, 2005

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