A SHORT film designed to make children and young people aware of the dangers of grooming and sexual exploitation online has been launched.

'I Didn’t Know She Was…' was created by Essex University student Hayley Williams as part of her dissertation about cyber security.

The BA (Hons) degree in Television Production and Screen Media student teamed up with the Southend Local Safeguarding Children’s Board to create the film.

Alex Pool plays the main character, Charlie, who starts talking to a girl on a social media site.

As the film progresses, it emerges not all is as it seems.

The film will have premiere at the Southend Film Festival’s The Big Shorts night at the Odeon cinema, at the end of Southend High Street, on Thursday, May, 19 from 6pm.

Miss Williams said: "This was the first film idea I have brought to life, and I am so incredibly proud of how it looks. It was important to me to create something that has the ability to inform and educate others on such a serious subject. The praise I have received for the film has been overwhelming and I would like to thank everyone who participated in making it."

Helen Wilson, business manager for the safeguarding board, said: “It has been a privilege to work with Hayley and the other students to produce this film raising awareness of the potential dangers of grooming and sexual exploitation for children and young people online. "

For more information about the Southend Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, visit safeguardingsouthend.co.uk/children