CHILDREN as young as nine will be trained to teach friends who to stay safe online as part of a new police initiative.

'E-safety officers' will be picked and trained from primary and secondary schools in Warrington.

Training will include information on recognising dangers on the internet like following suspicious links and 'friending' someone you do not now.

Guidance will also be given on how to use popular mobile phone apps.

The project has been launched by the safer schools partnership, which includes Cheshire Police, Warrington Borough Council and Dominic Rogers, youth ambassador for Cheshire.

Mr Rogers said: "Young people are often more up to date with the latest technology and trends than adults are.

"This knowledge is something that should be tapped into.

"The e-safety officers are being trained at the same time as the staff from their schools so the safety messages remain consistent, and ensures young people get the right advice and support."

The training will be offered across the county.

So far, 108 young people plus staff have signed up.

A spokesman for the training team said: "The feedback we’ve received so far from the couple of sessions we’ve had has been very beneficial.

"The sessions have demonstrated how technologically advanced young people are nowadays compared to a few years ago.

"However, it’s apparent that they do not recognise the potential risks and danger they can put themselves in.

"By having e-safety messages delivered by their peers as opposed to adults, we hope that young people will start to sit up, take notice and protect themselves and their peers online."