G8 interior ministers look set to approve plans to create a world register of paedophiles.

The proposal is part of a bid to tackle child traffickers and other people that prey on children

The world register would store images of offenders and victims found on the internet, and facilitate improved information sharing between international and local police forces.

The scheme, which has been under development since 2003, will be discussed at the meeting of G8 justice and home affairs ministers to be held in Sheffield ahead of the main Gleneagles summit.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the register would be a “very powerful” weapon against a “vile crime”.

Mr Clarke claimed the database would increase the number of paedophiles caught and would be particularly useful in the campaign against criminal gangs.

It will hamper the activities of organised criminals who exploit weak international borders to transport children from developing countries for use in the sex industry in richer nations.

Its backers intend to have the database up and running before the end of the year.