WORRIED about being involved in activities in the police dispersal order zone in Lydney a group of five youngsters headed to Gloucester – only to find themselves victims of a bus station sex pest.

Now their mothers say they want to thank the anonymous woman who shielded the girls from his advances and made sure they were safely on their bus home.

"It is not often these days you get people prepared to step in and help, and we are all very grateful that she did," said one of the mums – they do not want themselves or their daughters identified.

The 12-14 year-olds had taken the day trip to the city on Saturday and were keen to catch the 6.30pm bus home when the man approached them and made

explicit demands.

"At least one of the girls is still very, very frightened," said the mother, who added that the incident had been reported to the police but they had to date heard nothing more.

"It was a really nasty experience for them, but they are also worried about going around Lydney together when they might attract the attention of police even though they do nothing wrong."