AS a former pupil at Mount St Joseph, I was saddened to learn of the death of Charlene Dyson from drugs.

I was a few years older than Charlene, but, despite this, I always remembered her as a bright, intelligent and attractive girl and to see her fall into these ways was upsetting.

I send my condolences to her family and to the family of Carly Bateman. To see this happen in the space of many months to two teenage girls who died in similar circumstances, is a sad way of how life is in the modern day.

Both Charlene and Carly Bateman had their whole lives to lead, but had been lured into the hell of drugs and prostitution and in some ways felt trapped. As a community, I feel we must do all we can to stop any more of our young population being taken in this way.

Maybe more support groups and rehab would be the answer. I, for one, hope this problem will be resolved so that the scum who took Charlene and Carly will not be able to take any more of our young population.

M. Heys

Great Lever, Bolton