Young gamers crossed joysticks as the police Xbox challenge reached its climax on Monday.

The tournament, which was set up by the safer neighbourhood teams in Watford together with Watford Borough Council, saw dozens of youngsters from Chessbrook School, Watford Grammar School for Boys, Watford Grammar School for Girls, Francis Combe, Westfield School and Garston Manor School take part.

The competition started in September this year and the final was held in Watford on Monday.

As well as participating in the competition which was played on the large screen of the media van, pupils were also given presentations on the dangers of alcohol, drugs, bullying and anti-social behaviour and how getting in trouble with the law can have an adverse affect on your life choices.

Police Community Support Officer Mark Pearce, who helped to organise the challenge, said: “This has been a very positive exercise which has enabled us to engage with local schools and youths and educate them about the dangers of drinking alcohol, drug abuse and abusing the law whilst also engaging with them on a social level.

“We have excellent support from Watford Borough Council and other partner agencies who have also helped us to make this happen.”

The winner of the competition was Jack Backhouse, a pupil at Chessbrook school, who won an Xbox.

The runners-up was David Morton from Westfield School.