However, police admit that even if they are pedalling furiously they are unlikely to be able to apprehend anyone other than "those with a zimmer frame".

The car will be entered into the British Pedal Car Grand Prix on July 11 in Ringwood, Hants.

PC Keith Waller, who will pilot the vehicle, spent 40 hours painstakingly building the replica car with children aged 13 to 16 at Ringwood Comprehensive School.

He insisted that getting involved with the project allowed police to show their "fun side" and made them look "cooler" and "more approachable".

But he also admitted it had made him a laughing stock as people drew comparisons with him and Mr Plod from cartoon series Noddy from Toytown.

PC Waller, a 51-year-old father of two, said: "The pedal car grand prix is a fantastic event which brings the community together.

"Getting youngsters involved gives them something to focus on at lunch and after school, so they are not out there committing anti-social behaviour.

"I have been able to reach out to the students and make the police more approachable. It makes me look cooler, we all have fun and the children can come and talk to me.

"There have been a few students who have viewed the project with suspicion but, generally, the response has been tremendous.

Source : Telegraph.co.uk