PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has praised Lancashire Police for their ground breaking work in tackling child sexual exploitation.

He raised their efforts with Education Secretary Nicky Morgan in a debate on the issue in Parliament.

Tory backbencher MR Stephenson said: “Child sexual exploitation has been a scourge in many communities across the UK.

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“I am pleased that Lancashire police have taken a lead on those issues for a number of years now and regularly update me on local prosecutions.

“Will you say more about the level of support you can provide for the charities and non-statutory bodies that are doing such fantastic work to support victims but find themselves under increasing pressure at this time?”

Ms Morgan said: “Although many statutory agencies will be responsible for dealing with these issues in supporting victims and their families, you are absolutely right to pay tribute to the charities and the voluntary and community sector, which provide that support as well.

“This afternoon, for example, representatives from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Barnardo’s and Rape Crisis are attending a summit on this.

“I know from my role as Minister for Women and Equalities, the policing minister will appreciate this too, that smaller organisations often find very valuable support in communities.

“We absolutely want to help them to do their job.”