A GROUP of teenagers from the North-East who know people affected by child sexual exploitation are lifting the lid on the issue.

Katie Vacher, 16, and her team are alerting others to different forms of abuse and grooming.

The group, from South Shields, have made a film with Fixers, the national charity that gives young people a voice, to warn others of the signs to look for and urge more victims to speak out.

Miss Vacher said: “It’s a topic that’s very close to our hearts because we know people who’ve been through it.

“It’s shocking to think this even happens, but it’s important to know that it exists in many forms.

“Many people think these individuals operate online, which is true, but it can happen anywhere. Everyone needs to be more aware.”

The two scenarios include a young girl being sexually exploited at a party and the other depicts a victim being trafficked in a relationship.

Miss Vacher added: “We think the film is really powerful”