There were 14 offences involving adults in positions of trust who had sexual contact with children in their care in Essex since 2011, official data shows.

However, the NSPCC believes the figure might be higher, because the law doesn’t apply to youth work roles such as sports coaches and leaders of religious groups.

There has been a 57 per cent increase in recorded Abuse of Position of Trust offences in England and Wales where professionals such as teachers or care staff have sexual contact with 16 or 17-year-old children they work with.

In total, 1,290 offences have been recorded since 2011-12.

The NSPCC is calling for laws on Position of Trust to be extended, to better protect children in sport and other youth activities.

A legal loophole means adults with regular and intense contact with children in sport and other activities are able to groom them from a young age, and abuse that trusting relationship to have sexual contact as soon as the child turns 16.

NSPCC head of policy Almudena Lara said: “It is baffling that sports coaches and other youth workers are not deemed to be in a position of trust, given the significant responsibility, influence and authority that adults in these roles have over the children they are there to look after.

"Sadly, we know that this trust can be abused and it is therefore vital that this legal definition is widened.”