Big question Northamptonshire's kids are asking: 'I'm missing my friends, when can I go back to school?'

Northamptonshire's kids are growing so fed-up over being stuck at home during the Covid-19 lockdown, they cannot wait to get back to school!

Three senior police officers turned the force's latest Facebook Live session over to fielding questions from youngsters.

And top of the list was an emotional plea: 'I'm missing my friends, when can I go back to school?'

Alex, aged seven, asked: "I'm worried because everything has changed. will I be able to go and see my friends at school again and will you arrest my mummy if she goes shopping."

Ten-year-old Orren asked: "I'm a only child , when can I see my friends?"

Sadly, even a police officer could not give a time for that one!

Superintendant Sarah Johnson said: "I know its really hard not being able to be in touch with your friends at school on a daily basis.

"We don't know when the rules will change to let people see each other completely freely again.

"So we're all keeping eye on news thing you're doing now is so important, helping keep people safe

"We're really sorry you're missing friends but you are doing absolutely the right thing by staying at home and doing a brilliant job to help keep people safe.

"And, no, we definitely will not be arresting anybody's mummy for going shopping!"

Schools closed back on March 20 in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19, although many had already been forced to send pupils home because of staff shortages due to illness or self-isolation measures.

And there seems to be no end in sight with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson this week admitting there is no timetable for schools reopening and whenever it does happen, it is expected to take place in a "phased manner" with not all students going back at once

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruuelty to Children revealed unprecedented numbers of calls to Childline during the Covid-19 crisis and has information available to help parents.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: "The 24/7 news cycle about coronavirus is causing huge worry and anxiety in young people – particularly those who are already coping with many other issues in their lives.

Watch the whole Facebook Live Q&A HERE."Childline provides an essential service to vulnerable children, some of whom may be in a life-threatening situation, which is why our staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to keep Childline running.

"While we are all facing events unprecedented in modern time keeping children safe and providing them with a space to talk about their concerns is our number one priority."

Thursday's police Q&A covered a range of questions from youngsters including how to become a police officer, do you like doughnuts, and 'how do you fill up your police cars because I never see them at petrol stations?'

And it went down well with mums and dads, too.

Sam posted a message saying: "What great role models you are, I enjoyed listening to your answers and hope the children and young people were inspired by your positivity.

And Natalie added: "This was amazing! Love how you’ve brought children into your Q&A . . . your answers are fabulous! Keep up the amazing work you do! "