A SCHEME allowing parents to check if someone has a history of child sex offences will be introduced in Wiltshire this summer, the Home Office said today.

The programme, known as Sarah’s Law, gives a parent the right to check whether anyone with regular unsupervised access to their children has a criminal conviction for child sex offences.

Police may also warn parents if concerns are raised by grandparents or neighbours.

The Home Office said the pilot scheme, which has been running across four areas, would be introduced to a further 18 areas – including Wiltshire – in August, before being extended across England and Wales next year.

The trial began in September 2008 in other areas and it was revealed that one in 10 calls to police under the pilot scheme uncovered the criminal past of someone with access to a child. Fears that paedophiles would hide and that the revelations would result in vigilante justice were not realised, police said.

The move follows the abduction and murder of Sarah Payne by a convicted sex offender in Sussex 10 years ago. Her mother, Sara, campaigned to bring in the law based on the so-called Megan’s Law in the US which allows the publication of offenders’ details.

Ms Payne welcomed the announcement while Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: “The UK already has one of the most robust systems in the world for the management of sex offenders.

“The new scheme will build on this, ensuring more children are kept safe.”