YOUTH crime has increasingly plagued many cities, while all too often the police are criticised for not having a big enough presence within communities.

The solution according to the Government? To base police officers within schools.

Now we hear this initiative is going to be brought to Bolton, with mini police stations being based in the grounds of at least two schools.

The officers will be working to identify not only potential offenders, but those at risk of becoming victims of crime.

They will be looking to tackle a range of problems including truancy, anti-social behaviour and bullying, as well as helping to educate younger pupils, in an attempt to prevent crime.

This is a positive step forward for community policing -- but it remains to be seen whether it will really be an effective one.

We must also hope that having a police officer based in a school would not lead to it being stigmatised.

We know there is a problem with truancy in Bolton which needs to be tackled. Perhaps having a police officer at close hand will lead to an immediate response, or even be a deterrent for some children tempted to skip class.

Anything that can be done to help children steer clear of a life of crime must be welcomed. Truancy leads to problems elsewhere. If children are not at school, they are often causing problems in other parts of town.

Having a police officer within school grounds could tackle these problems at source.

Best wishes

TO have a child diagnosed with leukaemia must be one of the most heartbreaking things for a parent to have to live through.

That is what happened to Janet and Jeremy Morris when their daughter Elizabeth was diagnosed with the life-threatening cancer.

They bravely dealt with the situation, raising funds for cancer charities to help not only their little girl, but others like her.

Then, it was discovered that Elizabeth needed a bone marrow transplant. When none could be found, they again acted with dignity and bravery, appealing for more people to become donors again to help save others in the same tragic situation.

Now, we are delighted to hear, Elizabeth has undergone a transplant and is recovering at her home.

Her smiling face in tonight's paper speaks louder than any words.

We simply wish her and her family our very best wishes for a speedy recovery.