PARENTS of murdered North-East youngsters have thrown their weight behind a national drive for more resources for crime victims, which could lead to the creation of a respite centre in the region.

June Richardson, whose four-year-old son, Martin, was one of two victims of childkiller Mary Bell in 1968, was among people supporting the campaign by the Victims of Crime Trust.

The trust was in Newcastle yesterday as part of a tour calling for people to support a phone petition.

The petition is designed to highlight how the criminal justice system is failing victims, as well as to provide practical support for them by raising £3m.

Ms Richardson said: "People are being asked to phone the petition line -09067 800 999 -to register their support. Calls cost £1 and 74p goes directly to the trust."

The money will help set up a national resource centre for crime victims, providing practical help such as flats that families can use when attending trials in London, as well as rehabilitation, research and campaigning facilities.

The trust also plans to open three centres for victims, including one in the North-East.

Ms Richardson said: "We definitely need respite for victims of crime, the majority of whom have children and live close to the families of the perpetrators.

"A respite centre will enable people to leave the area where the crime has happened."

Liz Neailey, from Newcastle, whose 11-year-old son, Wesley, was killed by a paedophile, said: "There was nothing around several years ago. I would not want other families to have to go through what I went through."

Trust director Norman Brennan said: "This Government is masking the alarming truth about crime in this country."