THE recent tragic death of Carly Bateman, a 17-year-old prostitute in Bolton, highlights the problems of under-age prostitution and sexual abuse of children in the Bolton area.

I feel so strongly that something must be done to help all these children who are at risk of sexual abuse. An EastEnders storyline has accurately depicted the devastating impact that sexual abuse can have on a young person's life. I am writing to raise awareness of the extent of sexual abuse of children across the country.

In Bolton alone we have 10 children and young people registered for concerns about sexual abuse. While in the UK one per cent of young people had been sexually abused by a parent and three per cent suffered sexual abuse by another relative.

Research shows that as many as one in ten young people - mostly girls - have been forced into a sex act against their will before their sixteenth birthday, by people known to them.

This abuse often remains hidden because young people feel unable to speak out.

Over the next couple of months the NSPCC will be driving a public awareness campaign through posters. The "Someone To Turn To" poster gives young people immediate source of help through the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 and the website www.nspcc.org.uk

Through these services young people and parents can access advice and recieve information on other sources of help. If readers want to recieve a poster please send a SAE marked "Someone To Turn To" poster to - PIU, NSPCC ,42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH.

Valerie Cook

Crossdale Road

Bolton