Young students have been chosen to participate in a pilot scheme which will give them an insight into the work of the police.

Officers have joined forces with Redbridge College for the MetGirlz scheme, which will see participants learn about the roles available to women and share ideas for public engagement schemes.

Graphic design students have been busy designing posters for the project, with seven now selected as finalists, and after the pilot is finished, the project will be rolled out London-wide.

Redbridge’s borough commander, Det Ch Supt Sue Williams, said: “We really wanted to do something around young women in the Met.

“It is quite exciting and I am gobsmacked at how talented the students all are.”

College students will apply to take part in the pilot, which will have 30 places.

They will each create a “big idea” for public engagement and these will be presented to Det Ch Supt Williams in a Dragon’s Den-style contest.

The best suggestion will become a reality.

Louise Redif is a poster finalist.

The 17-year-old said: “It’s not often you get to work with outside people.

“I’m a proud feminist and I like the whole girl power thing of MetGirlz. I hope to do the scheme.”

Teacher Tim Smith added: “It is just a fantastic opportunity.

“It is great a high-profile cause like this wants to involve our students.”

Det Ch Supt Williams has been piloting an initiative called Total Girl Power, which uses mentoring and training to help internal staff gain senior roles in the force.

The success of this has paved the way for the Community Ambassadors Programme, which will launch shortly.

It will see young women collaborate with female officers on projects.

Det Ch Supt Williams said: “We really want to see things from their perspective and we want to encourage them to talk about their aspirations and tell us how we should do things differently - what they think our priorities should be.”

To vote for your favourite poster, visit redbridge-college.ac.uk