The mother of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne has called for a Government minister to look after crime victims.

Sara Payne was taking part in a radio discussion about the effects of crime on families.

She said: "We need a specific minister to look after the victims of crime.

"Everyone thinks that once the perpetrator goes to prison the pain goes away, but that is when the victims really start to grieve.

"We were treated so well. The treatment that was given to my family should be given to everybody but it isn't.

"We need a minister who fights for the interests of victims. Most MPs don't want to get their hands dirty.

She added: "They don't want to shout out about where these perpetrators are."

Eight-year-old Sarah disappeared in July 2000 from fields at West Kingston, near Worthing.

Her body was discovered in a field off the A29, near Pulborough.

Roy Whiting, of Littlehampton, was jailed for life in December after being found guilty of her kidnap and murder.

Mrs Payne will meet Home Secretary David Blunkett next month to campaign for access to information on paedophiles.

She will ask again for Sarah's Law, which would allow people controlled access to the sex offenders' register.

She said: "People should be able to know the names of sex offenders living near them.

"If they live next door to you then you have the right to know. It would not just be published for everyone."