A THURROCK-based children's rights campaigner who has courted controversy through his persona as'Megaphone Man' has launched a national petition asking for additional measures to protect children from possible abuse.

Jack Barnes, who this week faces a court case charged with harassing borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price and others in pursuit of his views, believes there is a loophole in the law that needs shutting.

Mr Barnes has already attracted more than 1,000 supporters but needs to multiply that by 100 to possibly get his proposal debated in Parliament.

He says: "I am a childrens rights campaigner and think all leisure centres should have to carry out checks under Sarah's law on all membership applications to ensure the safety of all children using the facilities.

"As schools often use these complexes it will give parents the confidence and security that their children are safe while using these facilities whether with family or the school."

The petition can be found by clicking HERE