THOUSANDS of children can now access online safety books, thanks to a collaboration between a Wrexham business and North Wales Police.

The year-long project saw sets of the books given to all 62 secondary schools and special schools with secondary provision across North Wales.

As a part-time primary school teacher, Chirk-based Laura Rowlands, who works in partnership with award-winning children's publisher Usborne, prides herself on being able to match up an Usborne book to almost any child, occasion, or school topic.

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Back in 2022, with a child of her own about to start high school, the importance of two particular books aimed at secondary-aged pupils quickly became apparent to her.

Laura therefore set herself the challenge of making sure every secondary school in North Wales had access to copies of Staying Safe Online and Usborne's Social Media Survival Guide.

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Thanks to a chance meeting at an event she was attending with her books, Laura shared the idea with PC Dewi Owen of North Wales Police Cyber Crime Team. He took the idea back to his colleagues Dave Evans, project manager at The North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), and Phillipa Proctor from IT and business consulting firm CGI, who were able to provide funding to cover the cost of purchasing and posting the books to all the schools.

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Dave Evans, PACT project manager said: "PACT is delighted to be able to support this project. It is so important that we keep our young people safe whilst online and these books will help schools to keep their pupils safe whilst using the internet and social media.

"This is a great partnership project supported by PACT, North Wales Police Cyber Crime Team and CGI UK Ltd who have been instrumental in making the project happen with Laura."

The team involved got together to present the books to the headteacher and pupils at Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen. The books are also available for parents to buy via Laura's website: www.lauraslittlesioplyfrau.co.uk