A DROITWICH Spa headteacher has taken the extraordinary step of having a complete set of CCTV cameras installed at his school, in an effort to combat crime.

The full set of cameras has been installed at Chawson First School during the six-week summer break and headteacher Jerry Hughes reckons the move is pretty unusual.

"I don't know many other schools that have such complete coverage," he said.

They have been fitted by CCTV experts Elgon Security of Rubery and offer surveillance of the building, car park and playgrounds, at a cost of around £4,500.

"We decided to install the system because the school is used from 7.30 in the morning until 9.30 at night, most days and we want all our staff, students and visitors to feel as safe and secure as we possibly can," said Mr Hughes.

He said the school is not a regular target for criminals and this was more of a preventative measure.

"We want to put a stop to even minor crimes, hopefully this will deter criminals from coming to the school," added Mr Hughes.

The Wyche Road school already has an onsite caretaker and her house has been fitted with screens to monitor the cameras, which will run 24 hours a day.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman was unable to say how many schools in the area had such coverage.