FORMER top police chief Sir Ian Blair visited a school in Beaconsfield to see how it supports pupils who struggle with confidence or behavioural issues.

The Lemonwedge Arts Learning Centre was set up at The Beaconsfield School in 2006 and works with small groups of pupils to help them back into a normal classroom environment.

Sir Ian was the Metropolitan Police commissioner from 2005 – 2008 and last year became chairman of the Thames Valley Partnership - a voluntary crime prevention organisation.

Katherine Belcher, project manager at the Lemonwedge centre, said: “There is no other centre in Buckinghamshire like this.

“It has had a massive impact on pupils success and Sir Ian's visit was great recognition for all the hard work taking place.”

Sir Ian met pupils who are taking classes in design and woodcarving, which are two of the arts-based programmes available.

Pupils from other schools and those who are currently not enrolled at any school also attend the centre for programmes which last about five weeks. The centre works with about 150 pupils each year.