PUPILS at three Dumbarton secondary schools will have their fitness put to the test om Wednesday- in an attempt to see how tough it is to become a cop.

For youth engagement officers at Dumbarton Academy, Our Lady and St Patrick's High School and Vale of Leven Academy will run the rule over a number of S4 pupils to see who's got what it takes.

The event is called "Challenged" and is the brainchild of PC's Michelle Annandale and Wendy Maginnis.

It is designed to engage with secondary school children and build positive relationships between police officers and the pupils.

PC Michelle Annandale, is a Youth Engagement Officer with Police Scotland.

Michelle works with both Dumbarton Academy and Our Lady and St Patrick's High schools, Dumbarton. She also works closely with the YEO for the Vale of Leven High School, PC Wendy Maginnis.

Michelle said: "Over the last few weeks we have “Challenged” a class of S4 students in all three schools to take part in a mock police fitness test as a way of engaging with them in school, and building positive relationships for outwith the school environment.

"Along with the Community Police for the Dumbarton and Alexandria area, we have encouraged the students as they have taken part in the 15 meter Beep Test followed by circuits, aimed at getting the best all round workout available, and showing them the general fitness requirements for police recruits.

"The students have worked extremely hard with immense effort shown by everyone, which has been greatly appreciated by ourselves."

The aim was for youth engagement officers to work with the students, get to know them on a personal basis and eradicate the perceptions that the police are 'unapproachable' for young people.

Michelle said: "A number of Community Police officers have also taken part in the fitness element with the students, much to their amusement until they appreciate their fitness levels, which has led to some great discussions with students and a raised level of respect."

And the fitness programme culminates on Wednesday, November 8 at 1pm when the three schools will take part in the final 'Challenge' when they come together at the Meadow Centre, Dumbarton, to see who is the fittest, with competitiveness being pushed to the max.

A police spokesperson added: "Now that the students have had a taste of what's required, a challenge has been laid down with a competition to be held between the three schools on November 8, within the Meadow Centre, Dumbarton, thanks to support from

WDC."