FIRE engines and police dogs, CID officers and St John Ambulance staff converged on a Lymington school - but not for an alert.

The emergency services were there to inspire career ambitions in Year 8 pupils at Priestlands School.

More than 130 children watched police dogs Jethro, Sally and Nipper in pursuit of padded trainer Bill Williams. They learned about speed traps and road accidents from traffic cop Pete Oakshatt, and studied crime scenes with forensic photographers Barry Hill and Brian Platt.

Later, fire officers and first aiders leapt into action to show the youngsters how to avoid danger, or deal with the consequences.

Science teacher Alison Waller said the aim was to show how science can be used in the workplace, adding: "All these jobs involve science in some way. We want to show the kids it is not just something you do at school."

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