HUNDREDS of people in Dorset are seeking help to stop looking at indecent images of children online.

In 2016, 294 people contacted The Lucy Faithfull Foundation's Stop it Now! campaign for support. The number rose to 319 in 2017 - a rise of nine per cent.

The charity is the only UK-wide organisation dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse.

Tom Squire, clinical manager at the foundation, said: “What our recent campaign shows is that you when you make people aware that help is available to stop, people will take up that offer of help.

"We work with many men arrested after downloading huge numbers of abusive images of children.

"Nearly all of them say they wish they had known sooner about the help that’s available to stop."

National Police Chiefs' Council lead for child protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said: “Police forces are arresting more offenders who view or share sexual images of children online and protecting more children than ever before.

"However, child sexual abuse cannot be countered by enforcement alone.

"It requires schools and parents to educate children to ensure they stay safe, as well as for technology and social media companies to take their responsibilities seriously in protecting young people online."