Bessie the puppy returned to Witchford Village College on Wednesday to help greet Year 6 students from primary schools across the region.

After posing for a photo with lead mentors at the college, the children learnt about the importance of restorative justice and mediation as youth justice options.

Lynsey Brown, restorative justice co-ordinator, said: “We’re passionate about supporting young people and giving them the options and skills to resolve problems before hostilities or disagreements escalate.

“We want to teach peer to peer mediation skills, and we want to continue the work that we’ve been doing to support schools and parents in keeping children safe.

“Bessie enjoyed cuddles and fussing with all the new children and hopes to see them in Year 7.”