EXPERTISE in how to help victims of modern slavery has been shared.

Cumbria's police and crime commissioner Peter McCall said the training was "essential" for all agencies that may come into contact with vulnerable people who have been forced to work long hours in unsuitable conditions for poor pay.

“Vulnerable people who are looking for a better life are being exploited by criminals to work in horrendous conditions for little to no money and are being excluded from the society," said Mr McCall.

“This is the most despicable exploitation of people at their most vulnerable and there is no place for it here in Cumbria."

The training event was hosted by Safer Cumbria, a multi-agency partnership which is supported by the police and crime commissioner.

Expertise was shared with organisations from across Cumbria by the charity Hope for Justice, which aims to end modern slavery by "preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives and reforming society".