More than 4,000 mobile phone users have signed up to a kidnap alert scheme which could help save a child's life.

Sussex Police are piloting the unique project, which aims to trace abducted children within hours of their disappearance with public help.

Child Rescue Alert will see basic details of a child or their kidnapper interrupt TV and radio broadcasts.

Mobile phone users have also been asked to register their details so the vital information can be texted directly to them.

The Argus prompted the force to set up the scheme after informing them of a similar initiative, called Amber Alert, operating in the Unites States.

The text messages will be sent out by East Grinstead company Community Alerts, using a programme developed following the abduction of eight-year-old Sarah Payne in 2000.

It has developed software which enables texts to be sent out to anyone registered in a specified area of Sussex. Police will not be given access to mobile phone details.

People can register however many postcodes reflect day-to-day movements, for example home and place of work.

Chief Inspector Mike Alderson, head of marketing at Sussex Police, said: "Mobile phone users will provide thousands of extra eyes and ears and can literally help save a child's life."

To register your number, text ALERT followed by a space, then your postcode without a space in the middle, to 07786 208080.