Just over one in 1,000 people living in Kent are registered sex offenders according to new figures released today.

The actual figures show a slight increase in registered sex offenders, known as category 1 offenders, from 1,560 to 1,595 compared to the same period last year.

Category 1 offenders are required to notify the police of their name, address and other personal details and highlight any subsequent changes.

Failure to comply with the notification requirement is a crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

Published in the annual 2015-16 Multi-Agency Public Protection report, the figures show Kent has the highest number of registered sex offenders per 1,000 of population in the south east.

However, nationally the county is about average.

A programme called the Offender Personality Disorder pathway is running in Kent aimed at managing and treating high risk offenders.

Now in its fourth year it involves psychologists, the probation service and offender managers.

The NSPCC said it was 'worrying' that sex offences were such a prolific problem, but welcomed the increase in reporting.

A spokesman said: "An NSPCC spokesperson said: “It’s good that more of these individuals are being put on the list of registered sex offenders but it’s worrying that this is such a prolific problem, as many of these offenders will be paedophiles.

“A trend towards more survivors of sex abuse being willing to come forward is encouraging. But there is no room for complacency and it is important to report signs of sexual abuse when they occur.”

Children who are worried about sexual abuse can contact Childline on 0800 11 11, and adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting www.nspcc.org.uk.