Teenagers have started a campaign to raise awareness of sex trafficking.

Year 12 students from Carshalton High School for Girls began campaigning after receiving a conference in June about human trafficking which explained the global issue.

Sumra Ahmed, 17, from Wallington said: "The conference has enabled me to think deeply about this issue and has reinforced me to help make an impact.

"The statistics for trafficking reveal that 70 per cent are female and 50 per cent are children.

"One of the figures that shocked me the most was that victims as young as 11 are trafficked.

"These children are defenceless, vulnerable and exposed in the hands of domineering shadows of authority that continue to exploit and abuse for self gain.

"How ignorant must we be to assume this only happens in less developed countries? This inhumane act is carried out all over the UK. One case involved sex trafficking which included one 17-year-old girl's story of kidnap, rape, beatings, and prostitution.

"Let's not pretend that this does not exist and that they are invisible, because this is real and it’s happening and these individuals need to be aided."

The youngsters tried to raise awareness of the issue in an assembly at their school on Wednesday, July 4.

They also held a campaign event on July including food, dance, and drama.

They hope to not only raise awareness but also make a difference.