Kent parents today get new powers to expose sex offenders working closely with their children.

Police in the county have joined the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme - hailed as a major step in protecting children from paedophiles.

Under the scheme, a parent, carer, or guardian can ask police if someone with access to a child has a criminal record relating to child sexual offences.

If they have, the information will be passed on.

It follows a pilot in several areas, with Kent joining the final stage of the roll-out.

Under the scheme, police can only disclose information if it's necessary to protect the child from harm.

Detective Superintendent Maria Shepherd of Kent Police's Public Protection Unit said: "We are determined to do everything possible to protect children and families from harm in our communities.

"The implementation of the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme is a major step forward in our ability to protect children from sex offenders."

She said the move would empower families and others to protect children.

Further information including leaflets and booklets being used by police forces can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/keepingchildrensafe or http://www.kent.police.uk/