A CAMPAIGN designed to protect children from sexual abuse is gathering momentum across Dorset.

The NSPCC’s PANTS campaign is being introduced in schools and early years setting across the county.

And it has received international attention after support from AFC Bournemouth.

The club recently hosted an awareness event at the Vitality Stadium and also allowed campaign mascot Pantosaurus to make a high-profile appearance during a televised match against Manchester City which was seen around the world.

The campaign aims to teach young children how to keep themselves safe in a non-threatening and fun manner.

The message is simple. P - Privates means private. A - Always remember your body belongs to you. N -No means no. T - Talk about secrets that upset you. S - Speak up, someone can help.

Chris Cloke, the NSPCC’s head of safeguarding in the communities, told the Daily Echo: “A number of schools and early years settings are running events to promote the message and we are also running workshops for teachers and other professionals.

“This message does not need to be alarming for children. It is being presented in a non-threatening way and it is about prevention.”

He said the NSPCC hopes to introduce an annual PANTS week in the future to ensure the message is passed on.

Many survivors of abuse are also involved in the campaign in a bid to help others.

“The experience of young people and families who can talk about what happened to them is very important,” added Mr Cloke.

“Most of them didn’t think child sexual abuse could happen with their families but it did.”

The PANTS campaign is one of a number of initiatives designed to keep young people safe.

The NSPCC is also working with a different agencies to examine data and to look at how families can access support.

It is also studying the needs of professionals to deal with the issue in the best way.