Two brothers have been jailed for almost 30 years for raping and sexually assaulting seven children between 2009 and 2013.

Jordan Wright and Kert Birtwistle were jailed on Friday at Preston Crown Court.

Birtwistle, 29, of Bright Street, Blackpool, was found guilty of 14 counts including rape and sexual assault. He was jailed for 12 years.

Wright, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 18 charges including rape and sexual assault. He was sentenced to 16 years and two months.

The offences took place in Preston and involved both boys and girls under 13 years old.

Det Sgt Rachel Benn, of the South Exploitation Team, said: “First and foremost I would like to commend the victims in this case for having the courage to come forward and speak up about what happened to them, without their bravery we would never have been able to secure these convictions and sentences against two very clearly dangerous offenders and I hope they feel some sense that justice has been done.

“I hope that the sentences handed down by the court gives others who may have suffered similar ordeals the courage to come forward and speak up in the knowledge that we will investigate sensitively and professionally.”