A memorial service for schoolgirl Sarah Payne will take place on the first anniversary of her disappearance.

Worthing residents will gather on Goring beach on Sunday to celebrate the life of the youngster, who was abducted from a country lane near Littlehampton.

Sarah was just 150 yards from her grandparents' home in Kingston Gorse when she disappeared on July 1 last year.

Her body was discovered two weeks later off the A27 near Pulborough.

The memorial service, which will take place at the bottom of Aldsworth Avenue from 7pm, has the full backing of Sarah's parents and grandparents, although it is not known whether family members will attend.

Organiser Trisha Porter said: "Memorial books will be at the service for people to sign to help us with Sarah's Law.

"It is a way of empowering people who have previously felt that things were out of their control.

"This is our way of taking control in protecting our children with the help of the police and within the law."

Mrs Porter is also campaigning for a safe homes project in the Worthing and Littlehampton area, where children can go if they feel threatened while walking the streets.

Money raised during the service will be donated to the NSPCC and Worthing Hospital children's centre appeal.

A 42-year-old man has denied the kidnapping and murder of Sarah Payne. He is due to appear before Lewes Crown Court in November.