PUPILS from St Teath Primary School joined officers from Camelford Police Station to help check the speeds of motorists as they entered the village last week.

Headteacher Lee Bacchus explained that the exercise was part of the school's travel plan that was devised last year.

One of the concerns raised was about traffic speeding in and around the approaches to the village.

Mr Bacchus said that it was the third time the children had taken part in such an exercise and this time, nearly 50 motorists were found to be driving over the 30mph speed limit.

It is hoped that the findings will put a bit of pressure on County Highways to implement some form of speed reduction scheme.

"We're just hoping that when we put together all the evidence, something will eventually happen."

Mr Bacchus said that although speeding motorists can be given three points on their driving licence, during the Speedwatch exercise, they are given the option to have a talk with the children.

"Nearly everybody is very apologetic, and they're made to feel very guilty. They're asked questions like 'What would you do if you ran me or my friend over? ' It's very effective and the children get a lot out of it."

Sgt Paul Jones from Camelford Police Station said he was very disturbed about the number of people breaking the 30mph speed limit during the morning and added: "I am alarmed at the volume of vehicles travelling over the speed limit, with many of them going over 40 mph. The majority of drivers were shocked at their speed when told and agreed to answer the questions of the school children. All the drivers who were stopped for speeding will hopefully in future obey the speed limits."