Local Tory MP Anthony Steen has been honoured for his valuable contribution advocating for the rights of trafficked children in the UK.

The popular Totnes MP has received ECPAT UK's inaugural Children's Champion Award.

Christine Beddoe, director of ECPAT UK, said: "Mr Steen has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the protection of trafficked children by tirelessly holding government ministers to account and for his chairmanship of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Trafficking of Women and Children."

Mr Steen was presented with the award by Wellingborough MP Peter Bone on behalf of ECPAT UK on Thursday 18 October.

Mr Bone is the treasurer of the All Party Group on Trafficking of Women and Children.

ECPAT UK is a leading children's rights organisation campaigning against the commercial sexual exploitation of children in the UK and on its international aspects.

In particular, they focus on the protection of trafficked children and children exploited in tourism and the prevention of such crimes.

Mr Steen has been the MP for Totnes since 1997. He was previously the MP for South Hams between 1983 and 1997.