BLACKBURN-BORN author Christina Gabbitas is doing her bit to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation with a rhyming picture book for primary age children.

It aims to encourage four to seven year-olds to share troublesome secrets.

She will be visiting her home town with her new book 'Share Some Secrets' next week.

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Christina, educated at St Luke's Primary and Billinge High schools, will be at the main WHSmith store in The Mall on Thursday (20th Nov) from1pm.

The book's publication tomorrow (SAT) follows major conference on child sexual abuse at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel on Wednesday with the message it is everybody's responsibility to tackle the crime.

She said “I don’t believe there is anything for children in this age group.

" 'Share Some Secrets' is a book that encourages children to think about the secrets they should and shouldn't keep, encouraging them to speak out without fear.

"This is a topic, I feel very passionate about.

"I believe that there should be a 'Share Some Secrets' book in every child' school or home."The story isn't graphic in words or pictures, and will be very helpful for parents, carers and teachers alike.

"There are no words or suggestions that a parent doesn't already use when speaking to their own young children.

"All characters are given a voice. Young readers can view and listen to them speaking on the link :www.sharesomesecrets.com."