A scheme to tackle exploitation will be rolled out across the county after its success in Braintree.

Braintree District Community Safety Partnership launched the Spot It Stop It campaign earlier in the year to raise awareness and stop children and young people becoming victims of exploitation.

The success of the scheme in Braintree will now see it being rolled out across other areas, such as Basildon.

A number of businesses in the district have been on training sessions to increase their knowledge of exploitation, including how to look for and report concerns.

Cllr Wendy Schmitt, responsible for environment and place, said: “The scheme has been working well and was nominated for a National Working Group award by The Essex Safeguarding Children Board in April 2018.

"We came runner up in the safer environments award category.

"We are very proud of this achievement which has relied on participation and engagement with local businesses and the positive role they can play.

"To date we have trained more than 100 staff in the district.

"We are encouraging as many businesses as possible to sign up to the free scheme and they can contact the Council for more details.”

Licensees and taxi drivers will received training on Thursday at Braintree Council offices.

To book free training contact the community services team on 01376 552525.