Dorset poet Ben Kaye has been invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister this week in recognition of his work highlighting the horrors of sex trafficking.

Ben, from Hazelbury Bryan near Sturminster Newton, has just finished writing the lyrics and story for a unique new opera called Anya17, which has drawn in charities such as the Human Trafficking Foundation and STOP UK.

It is the first opera to tackle the issue of sex trafficking in the UK, and has been nominated for a Human Trafficking Foundation Media Award.

Ben is attending those awards at the House of Lords today, and he'll then head to No.10 on Wednesday to meet David Cameron in conjunction with Anti Slavery Day, which is tomorrow.

Ben said: "The opera follows four young women deceived and trafficked from Eastern Europe as they struggle to survive in a secret world seemingly devoid of hope or compassion.

"Through the characters of the principal cast members, Anya17 will explore the stark choices facing trafficking victims; compliance, violence or escape through drugs, alcohol or death. Perhaps death is the only true escape?"

Inspired by true stories of trafficking victims, the libretto was conceived and created through invaluable insights from caseworkers and leading UK charities in the field.

Before heading to London, Ben met North Dorset MP Bob Walter to talk about his new venture.

Mr Walter said: “I am delighted to give my backing to Mr Kaye in his efforts to grow what is a truly ground breaking, ‘big society’ idea.

"The conception and creation of Anya17 as a work that will vividly highlight the genuine horrors of human trafficking – and in particular sex trafficking in the UK – is a fantastic example of what one committed individual can achieve when they hold a subject like this close to their heart.

"Human trafficking is a modern human tragedy. Together with drug dealing and the illegal arms trade, it is one of the most prominent and lucrative aspects of international organised crime.

"We know it exists, but many people remain unaware of the terrifying nature and scale of this horrific practice, or that it takes place so alarmingly close to home.

"Mr Kaye’s opera will hopefully have a huge impact and go a long way toward raising awareness of a crime that is not just restricted to foreign countries or urban areas, but that can and does happen in seemingly ‘safe’ rural areas.”

Anya17 is officially backed by ten UK and international Charities, as well as the United Nations.

It will be premiered in Liverpool on March 7 by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Ensemble 10/10 and a cast from the Royal Northern College of Music. The second performance will take place in Manchester on March 9. Plans are currently underway to secure additional performances in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.