CARLY'S murder highlighted the sordid side of prostitution involving young girls in Bolton.

She was one of more than a dozen girls aged between 13 and 17 who regularly sold their bodies for sex.

Detectives discovered that some were under the care of social services in Bolton by day and walked the streets by night.

Carly was just 15 when she was first picked up by the police working as a prostitute. She had become embroiled in the seedy world of vice to fund her heroin addiction.

Prostitution involving young girls is an ongoing problem in Bolton. One which the authorities are powerless to do anything about. Under current legislation, anyone under the age of 18 who offers sex for sale is deemed as underage and is treated as a victim of sexual abuse rather than a prostitute.

But there is a national shortage of secure accommodation for them. Even if there were enough places available, the girls cannot be kept under lock and key forever.

There are no drug treatment schemes specifically aimed at prostitutes like Carly. Like many other girls, the teenager was trapped in a vicious circle. She needed the money from selling her body to buy her drugs. Prostitutes can access services through the MASH van, a mobile health unit in the red light district. But it is up to the women if they want to seek help. But perhaps Carly's death will not be in vain. A new scheme aimed at young runaways to stop them from turning to a life of drugs, prostitution and crime is being set up. Backed by the police and child support agencies, it will be aimed at young people aged between five and 18 in need of advice, counselling and advocacy.

Homeless charity worker Dave Bagley is pioneering the project which will not offer accommodation or a refuge for the child but friendship and support.