A Medway writer who worked with vulnerable girls in Rochdale has praised a television drama about child grooming in the town.

Sarah Hehir, from Rochester, said the BBC One programme, Three Girls, is powerful and upsetting without being sensationalised.

The award-winning writer has written a play based on the child grooming ring and the failure of the authorities to investigate.

The play, Child Z, tells the story of Zoe, a teenager who is being groomed, and addresses the failures to protect children who have been groomed and sexually exploited by gangs.

Ms Hehir began writing Child Z after hearing the story of Girl A on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour in 2012 – one of 47 girls who were groomed by a group of nine men.

Her first teaching job was in Rochdale, so she was drawn to the story having worked with vulnerable girls of that age in that area.

Although Child Z is not a direct dramatisation of the Rochdale scandal, it is based on research and interviews, including a conversation with the father of Girl A.

She also spoke to Sara Rowbotham, the whistleblower social worker, who is portrayed in Three Girls by Maxine Peake.

Ms Hehir, who won the 2013 BBC Writer’s Prize, said: “It's been done with sensitivity and humour - it's harrowing to watch as was researching and writing Child Z but it's so important these stories are told.

"I'm glad, like Child Z, that's it's so strongly told through the girls . It's no wonder Sara Rowbotham was happy with the finished programme. She is an amazing woman.

“Sara and the father of Girl A were both very generous with their time and advice.

“The more people understand about grooming, the more likely we can stop it happening in our towns and communities, supporting the victims instead of judging them.”

Child Z, which premiered at The Brook Theatre, Chatham, in June 2015, went on to be performed at Southwark Playhouse in London.

Dame Jenni Murray, from Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, said at the time: “It’s good to know my difficult interview with an appallingly abused young woman has inspired such a play.”

NSPCC's regional head Colin Peak said: “We need programmes like this to be made if we are ever going to lift the lid on child sexual exploitation.”

The charity has discovered that the typical victim of child sexual exploitation is a 15-year-old girl.

Since 2011 the charity’s Protect and Respect service has directly helped 1,866 children and young people who have either been sexually exploited, or are at risk of being targeted.

The NSPCC has a centre in Gillingham helping abused children from across the South East. Call the helpline on 08088 005000 or go to www.nspcc.org.uk for help and advice.