Six high schools are to get campus police officers as part of a new initiative.

The plan to get the officers into the North Ayrshire schools has been spearheaded by head teachers.

Councillors say the plan is not about policing the schools, but about "engaging with young people to help them reach their potential".

North Ayrshire Council's executive director of education and youth employment, John Butcher, said: "This is a great example of partnership working and addressing issues in a preventative way to deal with a variety of issues, whether that's bullying, drugs, alcohol, internet safety and other relevant issues.

"Not only that, but campus officers can offer a unique contribution to the life of the school, by working with the pupils through their personal and social curriculum such as Duke of Edinburgh Awards, cycling classes, and extra-curricular activities including outdoor education and sport.

"We also hope that by introducing campus police officers to our schools that it will help break down any barriers which might exist among the police, school, parents, communities and young people."