GUIDELINES designed to protect children taking part in sport are to be announced today.

Durham Sport will launch its Child Protection Policy at a meeting in Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, in Chester-le-Street, this morning.

Guidelines have been drawn up over the last 12 months, which meet the national standards laid down by the NSPCC to help safeguard children as they participate in sports activities.

Liz Barton-Jones, lead child protection officer for Durham Sport, said: "There are a huge number of benefits that we have identified by writing the policy.

"We have raised the awareness for both us as an organisation but also for the districts we work with, sports clubs, parents, and children themselves who have a greater knowledge of child protection and of how to protect themselves and minimise the risk."