A LANCASHIRE education pack highlighting the issue of child exploitation is being offered to the authorities in Oldham after an alleged child sex ring was uncovered.

Thirty men have been arrested after teenage girls, some as young as 12 were found to have been lured into prostitution in the Greater Manchester town.

So far five men have been charged with offences including rape and abduction.

The issue of child sex grooming in Oldham mirrors the problem in East Lancashire, where men befriend young girls and shower them with gifts an attention before demanding sexual favours in return.

The Lancashire Telegraph launched its Keep Them Safe' campaign earlier this year to highlight the problem and has already earned praise for winning a number of victories in the fight against the problem.

The education programme, 'Jenny's Story' was rolled out across Lancashire schools as part of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) scheme, earlier this year in the wake of the campaign.

Now Det Chief Insp Neil Hunter, who helped co-ordinate the initiative, is encouraging Oldham schools to use the programme.

Oldham Council, in partnership with the police, the Primary Care Trust and children's charity Barnardo's, has set up a special team to tackle the sexual exploitation of young girls. Specialist child protection officers have helped deliver the education pack for children aged between 11 and 14.

The pack highlights the dangers of grooming and offers advice on how to use the internet safely and to report all incidents on-line or on the streets.

It also includes a short film, Jenny's Story, about the dangers of grooming - with Oasis providing the soundtrack.

Det Chief Insp Hunter added: "We have had a great responce from this unique piece of education. It broadened aware-ness of children by showing them a real life true story."

Ruth M Baldwin, executive director for children, young people and families for Oldham Council, said: "We are actively seeking advice and guidance from exerts in this area. We have been on the Lancashire Telegraph website and are aware of the campaign.

"We will support any good initiative which helps keep children safe."