A charity phone line allowing people to give anonymous information to the police has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Sussex Crimestoppers marked its birthday by helping launch an appeal for people to report suspicions of human trafficking.

The "Blue Blindfold" campaign carries the slogan: "Don't close your eyes to human trafficking."

The charity's supporters, including Dame Vera Lynn and author Peter James, gathered for a celebration event at Buxted Park Hotel, near Crowborough.

The charity's chairman, Don Edwardson, said: "As a charity, we have existed in the UK since 1988 and in that time, as a direct result of calls, we have helped police across the country to arrest or charge nearly 86,000 people."

He stressed how the anonymity available to Crimestoppers callers could help people who are too frightened to speak to the police.

Mr Edwardson said: "Through fear or intimidation, those who are victims of this wicked trade, or who may be aware of what is going on, are often reluctant to go to the police.

"Crimestoppers provides a safe alternative, with the guarantee of absolute anonymity and with the certain knowledge that the information will be passed on. Crimestoppers is interested in what people know, not who they are.

"They will never be asked their name, their calls will never be traced and they will never be called as witnesses - guaranteed."

Anyone with information about human trafficking, or any other crime, can contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111. A reward may be available.