This week, the Peeblesshire News also spoke to PC Serena Moody, the town’s community youth engagement officer.

She is dedicated to guiding young people and helping them towards making more empowering life decisions.

PC Moody (39) fulfilled a lifelong ambition in 2018 when she joined Police Scotland. After working in Galashiels and Peebles as a response officer attending emergency calls she was selected to take over the new post in October last year.

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The 39-year-old was given a blank page to develop the role and since then she has worked tirelessly make a difference to children’s lives in the town.

She provides safety talks to P6 andP7 pupils at local primary schools on issues such as drugs and alcohol, vandalism and internet security. In addition she has developed a 12-week programme and takes part in the Support Hub at Peebles High School along with members of the Social Work Department which is a drop in service for pupils to discuss anything on their mind.

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PC Moody said: “This is the perfect job for me. I love it and when I was offered it I couldn’t turn it down. It’s a new role with flexible working hours and living in Peebles, I am aware of the problems facing youngsters in the town.

“I identified a gap for kids that don’t meet the Peebles criteria and by that I mean they are not particularly academic or good at sport. Or perhaps their home situation is not great.

“And for me it’s personal and I’m very passionate about it because I was one of those kids growing up in Penicuik.

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“I believe that these kids need opportunities and chances so I developed a 12-week Youth Engagement Programme which has eight youngsters. The plan was to get to know the kids, build up trust and find out what we can offer them.

“We meet up once a week and do activities such as gym sessions, horse riding, fishing, baking and football coupled with regular group discussions.

“It’s all about building relationships and creating opportunities and helping the kids get into something.

“There is so much negative press particularly on social media blaming the police, social work and schools for not doing anything about anti-social behaviour but I can assure you that’s not the case. We are all working tirelessly with the resources we’ve got.

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“I believe that we can make a difference because if we don’t try then what’s the alternative? Remember these are kids we are talking about and they are the future. I’m not convinced things are worse now than when I grew up.”

PC Moody now looking beyond the programme and is looking at the potential of weekly boxing training and an army familiarisation day for anyone interested in joining up.