A MOTHERS' group established to protect youngsters from paedophiles is calling for a change in the way convicted offenders are dealt with.

The Kidderminster-based Mothers Against Paedophiles, which formed after a national newspaper's name and shame campaign against paedophiles, has suggested offenders should be kept in their own community rather than being moved elsewhere.

The call comes a week after a Kidderminster man was among 45 people arrested nationwide on suspicion of involvement in an internet pornography ring.

Kidderminster Police said the man has since been released without charge while investigations continue.

A MAP spokeswoman said: "Many people in the community will be aware of who these paedophiles are, and if they are kept in their home areas the local authorities, police and parents can keep an eye on them.

"If these men are moved about the country, it just drives them underground where more children become victims in areas where these sickening people are unknown.

"We would like these people to be kept under lock and key, but as realists we accept this is not possible and our consciences will not allow us to see them moved to places where they can move freely and undetected, befriending young people as they did elsewhere."