ISSUES facing young people were the focus of a conference organised by the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.

Child sexual exploitation, drugs and alcohol, youth empowerment and knife crime were explored as part of the event, which was attended by more than 140 secondary school students, teachers and youth groups from across the county.

The annual conference was opened by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill and the Deputy Chief Constable, James Vaughan, with speakers including Kamal Hyman, former Youth MP for Peterborough and 2015 National Entrepreneur of the Year.

Actors from Alter Ego Theatre Company gave their production of Chelsea’s Choice, a highly emotive drama which tells the story of a young girl experiencing grooming and sexual exploitation.

Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "The second annual PCC Youth Conference was a great success and feedback from the young people who attended was really positive.

"As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my job to reach out to all areas of the community and engage on policing, crime and community safety issues.

"This event forms part of our comprehensive programme of work with young people and we will be looking to refresh our Youth Police and Crime Plan early next year."

He said that the conference focused on key issues affecting the county’s young people with experts from Dorset Police Safe Schools and Communities Team and the Shire Alcohol and Drugs Outreach Worker Service. Information stands from the Safe Partnership, Active Dorset, Space Youth Project, Victim Support, Weldmar Hospice Care and Dorset Youth Council Enables were also available for people to learn more about organisations supporting young people.

The event took place at Kingston Maurward College.