Sussex teens complete first round of training in bid to tackle online grooming
49 student ambassadors will educate classmates on the warning signs starting in September
Almost 50 Sussex teenagers have completed their first round of training as part of a new peer-to-peer scheme hoped to protect young people from online grooming.
From September, they'll be teaching classmates about the warning signs in 14 schools across the county.
It's being led by charity the Breck Foundation, which was set up in memory of 14-year-old Breck Bednar, who was groomed and killed by someone he met online.
They've been trained in safeguarding, public speaking, and in telling Breck's story.
Giselle Wild, Project Co-ordinator said: "I feel immensely proud of our Youth Ambassadors and all they have achieved so far in the project.
"They are an incredibly dynamic, engaged and passionate group of young people, and to see them in their hoodies, starting their journey, ready to make a difference is hugely exciting for the future."
She added that they "wholeheartedly believe" access to a scheme like this could have helped save Breck's life.
The scheme was funded by Sussex's Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne.
The schools included are BHASVIC College, Blatchington Mill; Bourne Community College; Cavendish School; Ifield Community College; Imberhorne School; Longhill School; Patcham High School; Robertsbridge Community College; Sackville School and Worthing High School.