"Sarah's Law" comes to Cheshire

Parents, guardians and carers across Cheshire can now ask police if anyone coming into contact with children is a paedophile.

On Friday morning the force became one of ten to launch "Sarah's Law" which is designed to offer more protection to children.

People who are handed the information are not allowed to tell anyone else.

All forces across England and Wales are expected to follow suit by March 2011.

It was brought into force after the death of schoolgirl Sarah Payne back in 2000.

Detective Chief Inspector Giles Orton from Cheshire Police said:

"A key element of policing today is the safeguarding of children and the introduction of the scheme will empower parents, guardians and carers, ensuring that we provide the safest possible environments for our children to grow up in."