POLICE spent a week connecting with young people and sending out the message that child sexual exploitation has no place in sport.

Events were held in Bolton last week as part of Greater Manchester Police's 'It's Not Okay' campaign.

Throughout the week, police and partners were raising awareness of child sexual exploitation with those that play, watch or coach sport

The week kicked off in Bolton with a full day schools event at the Macron Stadium and more than 240 pupils attended from schools including Lever Edge Primary, The Valley, Lostock Primary, Lord Street Primary and Sunninghill Primary.

The day consisted of four workshops on internet safety; risk-taking behaviour, crime and consequences and exploitation in the wider context; the dangers of going missing from home and one on diversionary activities and making good choices.

Further events were held at the Macron on Wednesday and Thursday evenings with coaches and representatives from sports clubs around Bolton learning more about CSE and spotting the signs of it.

Around 50 representatives from various sports club across the area attended.

As well as football clubs there was karate, rugby and more that came to pledge to tackle CSE.

Clubs signed up to the It's Not Okay charter as part of the event and make their commitment to keeping children in sport safe.

The training took place in the home changing room and also gave people the chance to have a look around the facilities.

The week wrapped up on the Friday with an event at Castle Hill Youth Centre.

A 5-a-side football tournament was held and youngsters from across the area were bussed in to get as many young people as possible together.

Youth centres across Bolton were closed for the night and youngsters were bussed to Castle Hill.

The whole centre was opened up and refreshments were provided.

While the youngsters enjoyed the event, police and representatives from other agencies were on hand to talk to the young people about the issues surrounding child sexual exploitation and also educate them.

DS Lisa Clarke, from Bolton Child Sexual Expolitation Team helped organise the week.

She said: "It was a really successful week.

"A lot of the clubs were really good, they were good on their safeguarding measures. It was really reassuring.

"The feedback we have had from everyone has been really good.

"Friday was really successful, we had 150 youngsters there at one time.

"A lot of the children were from areas of Bolton where they don't get that much attention.

"It is not about locking people up or anything like that but it engaging with young people and getting the message across."

To get details for your local It's Not Okay team go to www.itsnotokay.co.uk to find contact details for local ‘It’s Not Okay'.

Sports organisations can download a charter from www.itsnotokay.co.uk