Drugs 'greatest threat' to children

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

The results of child care charity NCH'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 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." School shining example of NCH's work A SHINING example of NCH's work in the North-west comes in the form of Bolton's Crowthorn School in Edgworth.

The school, funded by NCH through Bolton Council, works with children aged between seven and 16 who have emotional, behavioural and moderate learning difficulties such as Atypical Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.

Children are referred to Crowthorn via the Local Education Authority and the school, which caters for 65 pupils at any one time, has facilities to take children on a day or residential basis.

Crowthorn was the first project ever to be undertaken by NCH and has been welcoming children through its doors since 1869.

It was created by Methodists who transformed an old pub, known as The Wheatsheaf, into the school and this still forms the main school building today.

But it is in the achievement stakes where Crowthorn takes centre stage.

Last year the school celebrated its first ever successful GCSE passes when three pupils gained seven of the qualifications between them.

Acting head teacher Peter Cooper said they had worked alongside neighbouring Canon Slade and Turton High School to achieve the milestone.

The school employs a variety of techniques and skills with individual programmes devised for each child, including counselling, behaviour management, play therapy and activities.

Sports and the arts are particularly strong at Crowthorn and recently the children were given the chance to stage their own art exhibition at Manchester Metropolitan University.

On the sporting side they have achieved the coveted Sportsmark award thanks to a range of top class facilities including an indoor swimming pool and five-a-side pitches.

Mr Cooper said: "One of our main priorities is to help the children to strive towards independence when they leave school.

"We involve everyone in the school life and it is not just somewhere people send their children because we include the parents every step of the way."

Mr Cooper added: "150 years ago Crowthorn was a place where children could be sent to get a good education and develop. We hope that in 150 years time we are still as strong."