A COUNCIL is leading the way with the latest technology designed to protect vulnerable children.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is the first authority in the Tees Valley to install a system to identify the needs of young people.

The software provides a secure database to share information about children to identify any who may be vulnerable and ensure they receive suitable support.

The main users will include teachers, school nurses, youth workers and social care workers. Eventually the system will be open for any agency that registers.

The council's lead member for children's services, Councillor Valerie Halton, said: "We are delighted to take advantage of any advance that can help us offer the maximum support for children and are sure this will be a real benefit to all staff who use it."