SCHOOLCHILDREN have started a new project about their former neighbour and founder of the Women’s Police Service.

Children from St Paul’s Primary School in Brighton have begun learning about local founder of the Women’s Police Service Margaret Damer Dawson, who was born in Hove.

At the onset of war in 1914, she developed a foothold in police work for women, which was extended when peace came.

The children will be working with the police, the Old Police Cells Museum plus many more to explore all about how the WPS came into being, and how things have changed today, thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for Sound Architect Creative Media.

Although she later helped found a home for abandoned babies in Grantham, Margaret Damer Dawson’s most notable early activity was campaigning for the humane treatment of animals.

In 1906 she became organising secretary of the International Animal Protection Societies.

She was also active in the in the Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society.

The Government had always opposed the idea of policewomen but with the outbreak of war and many policemen joining the army, it was thought better to have women volunteers to help run the service.

A key reason that it was accepted was that her members were willing to work without pay.

“It is an exciting opportunity for children at the school to research a woman who 100 years ago changed history in this country. And this woman was born here.” headteacher Linda Duprét said.

“I am hoping this will inspire and empower the children at this crucial age.

“This was a strong role model for women in a time where they didn’t even have the vote. It’s important for the children to see that even in those times, women were just as capable as men.”