A children's author based in Blackburn has worked with North Yorkshire Police to help tackle county lines drug dealing in the region.

Christina Gabbitas, who has previously worked with Blackburn police with her story No More Knives County Lines was commissioned by North Yorkshire Police to write a sequel story entitled Trapped in County Lines.

To help raise awareness among children, the force worked with Christina, to deliver talks alongside neighbourhood policing officers in several schools across the county.

Christina, from Blackburn, said: "After the success of working together with North Yorkshire Police, I was commissioned to write a sequel story ‘Trapped in County Lines’.

“The story aims to educate children and young people on the dangers of becoming involved with county lines through the power of storytelling.

“Children and young people can sadly be victims of exploitation from organised crime groups. County Lines is a harsh reality of life, and in my opinion shouldn't be sugar coated.

"It’s very rewarding to know that my writing and work is helping to educate children and young people. I’m a big believer in the power of storytelling for delivering impactful messages.

"The story sees friends, Siobhan, Ellie, Luke, Jamie and Mo caught up and groomed once again into county lines, but this time things will never be the same.

"In this story, aimed at age 12+ there is a fatality from an accidental stabbing, and Luke goes missing. We want to help give children and young people a voice. Exploitation can happen to any child anywhere. This is the reality of what exploitation can do."

Blackburn with Darwen police officers sergeant Dave Dutton and Sergeant Steve Dundon, who have worked with Christina, added: “The inputs provided an opportunity for the local neighbourhood policing team to raise the dangers of carrying knives and dealing drugs. We are looking forward to working with Christina in the future with this story that’s aimed at secondary schools.”