A DORSET graffiti artist is putting the finishing touches to a temporary painting which will raise awareness of the dangers of online child sexual exploitation.

Trevor Loveys has donated his time to Barnardo’s to create the striking images on a 15m x 2m wall overlooking the skatepark at King George’s Playing Fields in Swanage.

The artwork, painted with the permission of Swanage Town Council, features children using their smartphones together with a subtle warning of the risks of online grooming.

Aside from raising awareness of the dangers of exploitation, Trevor has also been fundraising for Barnardo’s through a JustGiving site associated with the project which hopes to raise at least £1,500 for the children’s charity.

Trevor, aged 44 and from Poole, has his own business called ‘Positive Paint’ and has been creating graffiti since he was just 14-years-old.

He said: “Graffiti has always been a powerful way to communicate strong imagery to a wide audience.

“One of my first projects was painting a school wall to raise money for Barnardo’s. That early experience meant a lot to me so I’m delighted that I can support the charity again 30 years later.

“I feel so passionate about their work to transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

“I hope the artwork will encourage people to think deeply about how we can protect children from the risks of online grooming, exploitation and abuse.”

Trevor was re-introduced to Barnardo’s by his partner Sara Munn, a project worker with the charity’s Dorset Child Sexual Exploitation and Missing Children Service.

The project is commissioned by Dorset County Council, Bournemouth and Poole councils, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group.

Sara said: “The whole team is grateful to Trevor for committing so much time and effort to this opportunity to raise awareness and also funds to support our work.”

“The wall overlooks a skatepark which is very popular with children and young people, and sits alongside a play area which is used by lots of local families, so the artwork will be seen by a wide variety of people of all ages.

“It specifically refers to ‘Digital Dangers’, a Barnardo’s report which highlights the threat of online exploitation and abuse.

“We hope the artwork will encourage everyone who sees it to think about the warnings and take greater responsibility for the online protection of children and young people.”

To support Trevor’s fundraising go to justgiving.com/positivepaint