YORK'S young person's champion has backed our campaign to change the law on child abduction.

Coun Dave Scott said he was fully behind The Press Change It! campaign, which has challenged the Government to create a new law allowing judges to ban child abductors from working with youngsters - something they are currently unable to do. The 38-year-old Labour councillor, who won an election to become the city's first Children And Young Person's Champion, said he plans to write to new Home Secretary John Reid to press the need to close the loophole.

We started our campaign after predator Terry Delaney, 52, was jailed for four years for trying to abduct 13-year-old Strensall teenager Natalie Hicks.

She waived her right to anonymity and bravely spoke publicly, front page, below, about the need to change the law to stop people like Delaney.

He will be free to mix with children on his release, and will not be placed on the Sex Offender's Register, because child abduction is not listed under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Coun Scott said he also planned to move a motion at the next full City of York Council, on June 29, asking for members to back the campaign.

He said he also wants the council to write to the Home Secretary and all MPs supporting the campaign's objectives.

"This is obviously a loophole which needs to be closed in order to protect children and young people," Coun Scott said.

"This is a campaign which I have no hesitation in backing and I want to work with all parties and The Press to ensure we can achieve this crucial objective.

"I want to encourage the young citizens of York to take part in the campaign - so the Government can see that it is something all ages feel strongly about, particularly those who need the most protection."

Updated: 11:19 Monday, May 15, 2006