YOUNG people are being helped to stay safe through a new campaign in County Durham.

Durham County Council has launched the year-long campaign, which is specifically targeting young people in the East Durham area.

The Don’t Runaway – Stay Safe campaign is aimed at young people aged 11 and older who find themselves in unsafe situations and who have run away from home or are thinking of running away.

A free 24-hour helpline has been set up for young people to call for advice and support and a text number has also been set up.

Posters displaying the numbers are on display in schools, youth centres and other community buildings.

Councillor Claire Vasey, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: "Young people who are vulnerable and in difficult situations need to know that there is somewhere they can turn to for advice and support.

"Running away is not the best answer and is likely to result in the young person being in an even more dangerous position.

"We hope that through the promotion of this free helpline and the text message service that young people can come to us for the help and advice they need and that we can help them to stay safe."

Young people can contact the free helpline on 0800-085-1596 or they can text the word ‘safe’ to 66644. Text messages will be charged at the normal rate.