LANCASHIRE detectives are investigating the backgrounds of 30 care workers in the region after allegations of institutionalised sexual abuse dating back more than 30 years.

Operation Nevada was launched in July at Lancashire Headquarters, in Hutton, after officers received hundreds of complaints of sexual abuse in children's homes, residential schools and care establishments.

And now police are faced with the mammoth task of tracing around 800 former residents and staff from establishments across the county who may have information that will help the enquiry.

Since the operation started, investigators have taken 140 calls and interviewed more than 150 people nationwide.

Detective Inspector Steve Marston, who is one of the officers leading the enquiry, said: "It is till too early to say that Lancashire did have a problem of institutionalised sexual abuse. "The focus of the enquiry is to investigate the career histories of the people we have received complaints about and to find out where they are now."

Det Insp Marston said that the majority of calls had been from people who claimed to have been abused while in care.

He added: "We are particularly interested in speaking to staff and care workers who still are or were working in the care arena in Lancashire during the 1970s, 80s and 90s."

To help police with their enquiries, specially trained officers will be on hand to take calls in the confidence. If you have any information or wish to speak to someone regarding the investigation, call (01772) 410544.