PEOPLE in Bolton believe drugs are the greatest single threat to a happy childhood, a children's charity survey has revealed.

But despite this, two thirds of those surveyed nationwide are optimistic about their children's future.

The results of child care charity NCH Action for Children's telephone poll have been revealed to coincide with the publication of their annual review, Releasing Potential. In the North-west nearly half (49 per cent) said drugs were the greatest threat to a happy childhood, with violence at home and family breakdown following close behind.

But on the plus side, NCH say the survey reflects the view, shared by both the public and the charity alike, that children have "the potential for a happy future".

When asked why they thought children today have a good future, people in the North-west quoted "more opportunities" as the biggest single factor.

Better and more educational opportunities closely followed this, but only three per cent of those asked in the North-west believed higher standards of living contribute to a child's future, and a mere one per cent believed children can look forward to a better future because they receive more help than their predecessors.

But with NCH Action for Children supporting more than 11,000 vulnerable children in their families in the North-west alone last year, the charity says its services are needed now more than ever.

Mary Robinson, North-west director of Children's Services for NCH, said: "While the majority of people think children face a good future with greater opportunities, many of the children and young people we work with do not have those same opportunities.

"We are ambitious for all Britain's children and will continue to help those who are the most vulnerable reach their potential, so they can make the most of all the opportunities available."

Established more than 130 years ago and formerly known as National Children's Homes -- the charity currently has four projects in Bolton which they say are helping children to "Realise their Potential."

These are: the Bolton Parents Support Network, the Bolton Family Centre, Bypass and Crowthorn School, Edgworth, which works with children with emotional, educational and communication difficulties.

The Bypass project, run in conjunction with the council's Social Services department, inspired young people leaving foster care to produce the manual -- What Happens Now -- aimed at improving communication between children and their foster carers.

As a result of the project, every child over nine receives a copy of the manual which gives them a chance to record important names and details and contains a list of basic but essential questions for children to ask their carers, such as: "What time do I have to go to bed?" One of the young people who worked on the manual, 15-year-old Tanya, said: "It was an amazing experience. We've proved to ourselves that we can actually achieve something."