PUPILS from schools across Bury joined an inaugural session of a first-of-its-kind scheme to help raise awareness of child sexual exploitation

Led by officers from Greater Manchester Police and Bury Council, the training saw 90 pupils from eight high schools educated to become SAFE Ambassadors, to help protect their fellow pupils and themselves.

During the day the pupils learned about various methods of grooming, how to identify some of the warning signs in their peers, and what to do and who to talk to if they do.

They also discussed the emotional effects child sexual exploitation can have on young people, as well as the importance of confidentiality and positive role models.

PC Jane Watson, Partnership Team Officer at GMP's Bury Division, said: "Raising awareness of child sexual exploitation with young people, and the possible signs that their peers could display if there are being groomed, is extremely important, as is encouraging them to report this as soon as possible to an adult, a teacher or the police.

"It could be an intuitive feeling that something isn’t right. It is better for us to be provided with the details so that we can make the necessary welfare checks and intervene at an early stage to protect young people within our community and prevent a more serious outcome.’’

A second day of training will be held with pupils in September when the Safe Ambassadors will be taught about how to approach pupils they think may be vulnerable in school.

The day will also encourage listening skills to enable pupils to offer support and flag up and any concerns they have with school staff.

Later in the year, the SAFE Ambassadors will then host assemblies, created by police and council officers, in their schools and to parents.

Chief Inspector Phil Spurgeon, from GMP's Bury Division, said: "This is a brilliant initiative that brings together young people, schools, police and the wider community safety partnership.

"It taps into the energy and skills that young people have and blends it with the experiences professionals have around exploitation.

"It was a real pleasure to work with so many young people who will go on to be ambassadors, keeping themselves and others safe."