Leading children’s charity, The Children’s Society and major high street restaurant chain, Chicken Cottage, are partnering to tackle exploitation and unsafe spaces.

Chicken Cottage will train more than 100 of its staff across London to spot signs of exploitation among its teenage customers. The Children’s Society said it believed criminals were sometimes targeting children at fast food chains to lead them into drug crime, money laundering or sexual activities.

The collaboration will extend to cities where both organisations have deep roots, including Greater London, Greater Manchester, Newcastle, Bradford, and Leeds.

The Children’s Society partnership with Chicken Cottage intensifies the battle against child exploitation. Last month the BBC reported on operation Makesafe and other prevention initiatives within the hotel industry, training hotel staff to spot signs of trafficking and abuse.