RECORDED sex offences by adults in a position of trust have almost doubled in West Mercia over four years, according to a charity.

The NSPCC has revealed a rise in the last four years, from four in 2014 to seven this year.

These figures follow a national increase in offences across England and Wales, which saw an 82 percent rise over the four year period, with nearly 1,000 abuses of position of trust.

The number of offences involving professionals such as teachers, care staff and youth justice workers targeting 16 and 17-year-olds in their care for sex rose to 290 in the year to June 2017, up from 159 nationwide three years ago.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: "It’s hard to believe that the law protects 16- and 17-year-old children from being preyed upon in the classroom, but not on the sports pitch or on the stage.

"We know that some adult youth workers spend years grooming young people and then, as soon as their 16th birthday comes around, they target them for sex.

"Extending Position of Trust laws to sports coaches is an important step in the right direction which will help protect more children from this kind of abuse. But to stop there would be a missed opportunity. Government must close this loophole to protect children from other adults who use their authority to exploit them."

Position of trust laws do not currently apply to all adults working with young people, but the Government this month announced a plan to extend legislation to cover sports coaches.

The NSPCC’s #TrustToLead campaign is urging Government to go further and extend the law to cover all adults working regularly with children, including religious leaders, adults working in the arts, outdoor pursuits and other activities.

Any child who has been affected by these issues can contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 111 or at nspcc.org.uk.