An NSPCC initiative, which has helped protect children from known sex offenders living in the community in Cumbria, is set to be extended.

The scheme, known as Childwatch brings together parents, schools, police and trained volunteers, forming a co-ordinated network of protection for local children.

The first scheme was successfully initiated in the south of the county in 1994. Now, county council support and £40,000 of new funding means that it can be developed countywide.

Sheila Sutherland, chair of Cumbria's council's child protection committee, which is is made up of representatives from the police, probation services, health authorities, education, NSPCC and Cumbria social services, said: "Childwatch is simple but effective.

"A network of co-ordinators, hidden eyes and the local school are carefully situated in and around the local community, so they can see the whereabouts of children.

"Bright yellow stickers are used as a deterrent, highlighting the fact that the scheme is in operation, while the identity of everyone involved stays secret.

"The knowledge that many eyes are watching, but not knowing when, from where or by whom, deters anyone who might intend to harm a child. The scheme has been used effectively in an area where a known sex offender lived.

"It led to both children and their parents feeling safer whilst ensuring that the offender remained accessible to police and probation services.

Ms Sutherland decried the News of the World's naming and shaming campaign.

"Naming paedophiles merely sends them into hiding, where they can't be supervised. Childwatch schemes such as these are a more effective way of protecting our children and I am delighted that the committee is able to support the extension of the scheme countywide."

A full time co-ordinator will be appointed to develop a network of trained volunteers for the scheme.