A NEW group has been formed to tackle the issue of sexual grooming and child exploitation.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has joined forces with Lancashire Police, sexual health charity Brook and drug and alcohol charity Lifeline to form Engage.

The team, based at Connexions, Duke Street, will succeed the police- led campaign, Operation Engage.

Made up of two police officers, a drugs worker, sexual health advisor and two social workers, the team will pool their skills to track down offenders who groom teenagers for sex, and offer support and protection to young victims and their families.

An extra £250,000 has been made available thanks to the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

And the team has a dedicated phone line, 01254 267790, where victims can call for support and advice.

The problem of sexual grooming was first highlighted in 2006 when the Lancashire Telegraph launched its Keep Them Safe Campaign, targeting the growing number of men, predominantly Asian, targeting young girls for sex.

The government has now comm-issioned a national inquiry into the extent of the problem Peter Morgan, strategic director of Blackburn with Darwen children's services, praised the campaign ahead of the team's launch and said it was a "positive" opportunity to raise awareness.

Police in Pennine Division, which covers Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale have set up a similar operation called Freedom.

A team of up to eight detectives and other officers will work on cases alongside other bodies including Child Safeguarding Boards and borough councils.

Engage will launch at an event for school staff, health workers and professionals working with children and young people to raise awareness at Ewood Park on March 11.