A fun day is being organised in memory of child murder victim Sarah Payne.

Proceeds from the event in Steyne Gardens in Worthing, will be used to set up a network of safe houses in the area where children can find sanctuary in times of danger.

The scheme was set up by Trish Porter, who established the first safe house in Ferring near Worthing, following Sarah's abduction from fields in nearby Kingston.

Now, mother-of-four, Suzanne Canning is bidding to create a similar safe house to cover Sompting and Lancing.

She said there had also been interest in the scheme from Horsham, Southwater, Milton Keynes and towns in Wiltshire and Surrey.

Suzanne said children who were lost,being followed or bullied could seek sanctuary in a safe house.

Only homes occupied by vetted childminders or foster parents would be signed up to the scheme.

Each property would have an identifiable yellow sticker on the window.

Co-ordinators from the British Safety House Association were visiting schools to talk about where youngsters could go in times of danger.

Suzanne said the stickers, featuring a security code and hologram so they couldn't be forged, were very expensive.

Councillors gave the go-ahead for the fun day on Sunday, June 21, from 11am to 4pm.

There will be music, stall and children's entertainments.

Councillor Maurice Tucker, chairman of the borough council's leisure committee, gave the event the green light after hearing no one had objected.

Suzanne said: "We have got the support of Sarah's family and hope they will attend."

Sarah, eight, was abducted in 2000, sparking a huge police search which ended when her body was found in a field off the A29 near Pulborough.

Roy Whiting was later arrested and, in November 2001, was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison.

People interested in helping out should contact Suzanne on 01903 536346.

For further information on safety houses, ring Suzanne or Trish on 01903 249987.