Hundreds of people have contacted a charity for advice on how to stop viewing illegal pictures of children.

Stop it Now! says 646 people in Kent logged on its website which offers "self-help tools and resources".

Another 128 people from the county called its confidential helpline to discuss concerns relating to their own viewing of sexually explicit images of children online, or that of someone they knew.

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Therefore a total of 774 people in Kent got in touch with the organisation between March last year and February 2018.

That is up 25% from the 617 individuals who got in touch the during same 11-month period up to February last year.

More than 32,000 people across the UK contacted the organisation, which offers support for people who want help after viewing indecent and sexual images of children.

Donald Findlater, children safeguarding consultant to the charity's parent organisation the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said: "Sexual abuse causes enormous damage to children.

"We have to be realistic, it's far better for abuse to be prevented.

"The whole endeavour is to prevent abuse from happening in the first place and to make sure those who represent a risk are supported and helped so they don't go on to cause any harm to any child.

"That includes men who view sexual images of children online.

"I think people are simply getting to know we're here to help and confidential help is available.

"Those who view sexual images of children online are from all sorts of backgrounds and mostly men and for many of them they've a long-term adult pornography habit, which is legal, but they've crossed the line.

"We need those men to realise what they've done, stop what they've done and get help as they need it."

Mr Findlater added the help is confidential because people who contact the helpline are asked not to disclose their identity.

This is because if the individuals do reveal their name, along with a crime that has been committed, the organisation would then have to report the incident to the police.

While the perpetrator remains anonymous the charity can continue to give confidential help and advice.