The county council has backed a charity’s campaign to help tackle the sexual abuse of children and young people.

Hertfordshire County Council has given its support to the children’s charity Barnardo’s and its campaign ‘Cut Them Free’.

The council will now examine the prevalence of sexual abuse in the county, raise awareness and come up with a response to the deal with the issue.

James Morton, from Barnardo’s East of England has said the council will be given a check list to assess its progress in protecting young people from abuse.

County Councillor Richard Roberts said: “I believe that supporting the Barnardo's campaign is another important step to ensuring a positive childhood for all Hertfordshire's young people."