SPORT and community groups in Wellington are being urged to join a scheme which promotes the care of young children.

The Child-Safe scheme was pioneered by Avon and Somerset Constabulary and is a registered international charity involved in travel, sport, community groups and specific school programmes.

It aims to provide practical advice, promote the safety, welfare and pastoral care of children and young people involved in such activities.

A free seminar will be held on Wednesday May 16 from 7-8.30pm, at Wellington Youth Centre where club representatives can receive information on child protection awareness.

Linda Barnett, chairman of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and head of children's social care at Somerset County Council, said: "The aim of this scheme is to provide clear guidelines for staff and volunteers who run local groups.

"This should help ensure that children and young people are safe in their care. It also enables clubs to provide information for parents and children about the Child-safe measures that are in place."

The scheme is free of charge and provides clubs with a seminar, resource pack and supporting child protection training to enable them to put in place measures that will deter potential abusers from joining their club and will close down the windows of opportunity that abusers seek.

If you are part of a non-affiliated sport or community group involving young people in Somerset then you are invited to come along to the seminar and learn more about the scheme and how it can benefit your club or organisation.

If your sport or community group would like to become part of the scheme contact the Child-Safe Administrator at Somerset Child-Safe on 01823-358098.