A NEW initiative is coming to York aimed at ending the nightmare faced by a parent who gets separated from their child in a busy shopping centre.

The Safe Child Scheme, which quickly and safely reunites parent and child, is being launched by the Coppergate Shopping Centre and North Yorkshire Police next Monday.

Staff at participating retailers in the centre have received training in the scheme, and will display special Safe Child stickers in their windows and at till points.

A child who is lost and sees one of the stickers will know there is someone there who can help them. Similarly, a parent who is seeking their child can also seek out the Safe Child sign for assistance.

A spokeswoman for Land Securities, owners of the Coppergate Centre, explained that the scheme had began in Shropshire in 1993 and proved so successful they were introducing the service in York.

Staff were trained to gain the confidence of lost children, and help them look for their parents in the immediate area.

If they weren't reunited quickly, the local police would act as a link between the parents and the shop where the lost child was.

North Yorkshire Police are to visit schools to give the Safe Child message to children. During the Monday launch, leaflets and other information about the scheme will also be available.

Diana Dickson, the Coppergate centre manager, said: "Shopping centres are very busy places and even the most watchful of parents can become separated from their child.

"We are therefore delighted to introduce the Safe Child Scheme and we are confident that it will help reunite parent and child safely and quickly, should they become separated within our centre."

Superintendent Gary Barnett, the divisional police commander, said: "We are all aware of accidents and in rare cases serious crime which can befall children alone.

"York is a premier shopping city and this initiative will make sure that families can enjoy their visits, knowing that people will help if they become separated from their child."