A campaign calling people to show they want to stamp out modern slavery is to launch on Wednesday.

#EndHumanTrafficking campaign has been launched across St Albans to urge people to post a selfie on October 18, which is Anti-Slavery Day.

Residents are being urged to stand up using the slogan ‘I stand against modern slavery’ and post it, with Cllr Anthony Rowlands taking part as mental health champion for the St Albans City and District Council.

Cllr Rowlands said: “We are backing the Partnership’s campaign because it is timely and vital that we tackle this issue.

“The campaign has the important aim of raising awareness of the growing problem of slavery and also reaches out to people who might be victims, but are too frightened of coming forward.

“There is no doubt that slavery is out there, but it is very difficult for the police and other authorities to get hard and fast information. I urge anyone who has suspicions to contact the Modern Slavery Helpline.”

Anti-Slavery Day is backed by the Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership, an organisation aiming to prevent human trafficking in the county, and the council’s Community Protection Team works closely with police and other agencies to support their work in this area.

If you have any concerns about modern slavery contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 121 700.