School pupils in St Albans will be watching a play which highlights the issue of children being sexually exploited.

HIV and sexual health charity Herts Aid is working with Alterego Creative Solutions taking the play to secondary schools and education centres across the district from the April 20 until mid-May.

The play, called ‘Chelsea’s Choice’, will be shown to 12 to 15 year olds and is based on the real-life experiences of exploited children.

It aims to help children identify risky situations, promotes safe internet use and helps to raise awareness of the grooming process and the different forms that can take.

Suzanne Bannister, director at Herts Aid said: “It’s hard hitting, but while children are at risk of online grooming, blackmail and sexual exploitation these are issues we have to address with them.

“We know that children can initially be flattered by attention from someone older, but can quickly find themselves in a scary situation and afraid to seek help. Chelsea’s Choice gives young people the knowledge they need to protect themselves and the confidence to report this kind of exploitation when they recognize it.”

The project has been funded by Hertfordshire County Council, Dacorum Community Safety Partnership and St Albans Community Safety Partnership.