WARRINGTON Borough Council is supporting a nationwide campaign encouraging members of the public to report child abuse.

The authority is aiming to help residents 'overcome any fears' they have around the issue.

Steve Reddy, executive director for families and wellbeing, is confident the Department for Education's nationwide campaign will help.

He said: "The council fully supports this campaign and would encourage anyone with concerns of abuse to act now and speak up.

"You don't need to be absolutely certain of what you've seen or heard to call the social care team.

"Information is usually gathered from many sources and your report would form one part of a bigger picture.

"The risk of not speaking up could have a devastating impact on a child or young person.

"If you have a feeling that something's not right, talk to the social care team, who can look into it."

To report any concerns call 443400.