A new police scheme will be launched next month, allowing parents and guardians to contact the police directly if they think their children may be at risk of exposure to convicted child sex offenders.

The Keeping Children Safe Disclosure Scheme will be open to parents, carers, guardians, friends, family members, neighbours, and anyone else in the community who looks out for the welfare of a child.

If they are worried about someone who may have contact with, or access to, a child, they can call Beds Police on a dedicated telephone service.

The force will carry out the relevant checks, and then interview the person who raised the concerns.

Det Insp Paul Cook, of the child abuse investigation unit, said: "This scheme will enable people to either put their minds at rest or alert ourselves, social services and the carers of children to the presence of a sex offender with access to their children.

"It is intended to provide a mechanism for members of the public to register their child protection interest in a named individual and enable anyone with suspicions to alert the authorities and those caring for children.

"It is not intended to identify offenders who do not have access to children."

The national scheme will begin in Bedfordshire on August 1.

If someone is found to have convictions for child sex offenders, and is considered a risk to the child concerned, information may be given to a parent, carer or guardian.

Anyone who is investigated will not have a criminal record as a consequence, but police will keep a record of the enquiry.

To make an application call Beds Police on 01234 841212.