YOUNG people found out how they could help stamp out one of society's most heinous of crimes in an important lesson delivered by one of their old girls.

In the week, it emerged a rising number of modern slavery victims are being used by crime gangs to carry out home improvement scams, Bolton School was visited by Susan Banister, who is a a modern slavery consultant with Hope for Justice who has hands-on experience o rescuing victims of forced labour in the UK.

The former Bolton School girl spoke to boys and girls in Years 10 to 13, and shared her understanding of the devastating effect that Modern Slavery has and how victims and businesses can find themselves exploited.

As well as telling students what they can do if they suspect someone is a victim of slavery.

Susan introduced the young people to the work Hope for Justice does to end modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives and reforming society

A Bolton School spokesman said: "Students discovered that most victims in 2018 originated from the UK, 48 per cent of modern slavery victims are under 18 years old and the average price of a victim sold into slavery is just £60."

The young people heard about child slavery and human trafficking, including the difference between trafficking and smuggling, as well as signs and indicators of modern slavery.

The spokesman said: "She described the key drivers of human trafficking and barriers that prevent victims from disclosing their situation.

"She also related a number of real-world cases, including talking about Hope for Justice’s involvement in the largest anti-trafficking case in Europe."

He added: "This was an informative and thought-provoking session for both groups of students who benefitted from Susan’s knowledge."

The spokesman said: "Boys and girls alike left her talk with a greater understanding of Modern Slavery and how organisations like Hope for Justice are working to put an end to this crime"

To find out more visit https://hopeforjustice.org/