Appeal launched to help fight sexual grooming in Derby

Operation Retriever helped convict a gang of sexually exploiting young girls

A charity which helped some of the victims of Operation Retriever has launched an appeal to raise £500,000.

Safe and Sound aims to keep children and young people safe from sexual predators in the city.

Nathalie Walters from the charity said: "There is a need there. We're currently working with about 60 young people and there is a waiting list of around 25."

Operation retriever led to members of a gang being jailed for grooming girls in Derby for sexual exploitation.

Safe and Sound works closely with social workers, Connexions advisors and other agencies to identify those who need help and protection.

The funds are needed to ensure the project can continue and that vulnerable young people can receive the support they need.

Natalie Walters said: "Derby is very good at uncovering this particular issue.

"We know what to look out for in this city and so we spot it, perhaps, early on.

"It's about people being aware of the early warning signs - children going missing regularly, coming home with unexplained new clothes and new mobile phones."

The charity is hoping organisations and individuals will help the fund-raising effort by organising sponsored events, coffee mornings and other activities.

Child exploitation in Derby hit the national headlines in 2010 when nine men were convicted of systematically grooming and sexually abusing teenage girls.

The convictions were for offences against vulnerable girls ranging from rape to false imprisonment.

Twenty-seven girls came forward to say they had been victims, the youngest of whom was 12 and the oldest was 18.

The appeal's chairman, estate agent Steve Boxall, said: "The cases taken to court were only the tip of the iceberg. The problem hasn't gone away, there are just as many children in the city today who are at risk and if not targeted today, may be tomorrow.

"Safe and Sound work with these children everyday. I've seen their work and making sure they can continue with it needs to be a priority for all of us."