STUDENTS produced a series of hard-hitting short films in a bid to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

The Makesafe Team at Bracknell Forest Council partnered up with students from Bracknell and Wokingham College to highlight the serious issue affecting children.

Students created eight short-films raising awareness of child sexual exploitation and how children and young people can be safe to prevent the crimes from happening.

Nick Young, exploitation prevention manager at BFC, said: "I was hugely impressed by the quality of production of the films and the professionalism shown by the students.

"Awareness raising plays an important role in keeping children safe, the more people that know about CSE, the more difficult it is for perpetrators to commit these crimes in our community”.

A selection of films were then presented by the students to Child Protection professionals in the council chamber at BFC offices, marking the end of the project.

Maddy Williams and Lara Fincken from Makesafe designed a brief for pupils to follow, providing them with valuable learning experience of a realistic work assignment.

Maddy said: "It was important that the messages around this serious issue were communicated clearly and in a way that would resonate with young people”.

Councillor Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: “We are proud to collaborate with Bracknell and Wokingham college to raise awareness for such an important issue whilst showcasing the talent of local students.

"Keeping children safe is at the heart of what we do and we look forward to seeing this project return year on year.”