A new service to protect vulnerable youngsters from county lines gangs and exploitation has been launched.

Known as Catch22, it is designed to prevent young people falling victim to criminal abuse in Kent.

The county has seen a decline in the number of county lines gangs operating over the last six years from a one-time high of 80 to 37 in spring this year.

However, its proximity to both London and the coast means it will always be targeted by those seeking to exploit and abuse.

This week, three county lines drug dealers who sold class A drugs across the Medway Towns were jailed following a raid on a house in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham.

Two men were also jailed for bringing illegal substances to Ashford from London, in April.

Because of the continuous incidents, the new service will be brought in to provide one-to-one specialist support for youngsters who have been victims across Kent and Medway.

It has an equal focus on prevention and protection and will provide confidential and independent mentoring to prevent repeat incidences of serious violence, criminal exploitation or gang association.

Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said: "I am delighted to welcome Catch22 to Kent and Medway.

"Protecting people from exploitation and harm is a priority in my new Police and Crime Plan. If we fail young people, we not only create problems for the future, but we waste potential talent.

"I am hoping that with the intervention services Catch22 provides, we will help support and provide opportunities for vulnerable young people across the county."

The service will work in partnership with Kent Police and the Local Safeguarding Children Boards. Victims' families will also be supported through the process.

"The last couple of years have been particularly tough on children and young people..."

Marc Stevens, Catch22 senior services manager, added: "County lines, child exploitation, and children missing from home are inextricably linked.

"It is so important that local communities are supported to understand how missing incidences, serious online harms, or carrying weapons affect young people's susceptibility to exploitation.

"The last couple of years have been particularly tough on children and young people so we are really looking forward to building on the success of our nationally recognised youth violence prevention work and bringing our support to the Kent region."

Last year, Tonbridge, Malling and Swale claimed to be free of county line dealers for three months after the formation of a County Line and Gang Team. Officers arrested more than 250 suspects resulting in more than 300 charges.

The new service will launch on July 1 and will support children and young people up to the age of 25.