WE may like to think that such a sordid trade does not exist in our midst. But child prostitution appears to be thriving in the North-East.

The latest research has found that 142 boys and girls are working as prostitutes in Cleveland alone. They are the official statistics. The true number may be far higher.

The report published today by Barnado's is to be applauded. The charity has the courage to highlight the true extent of child prostitution and to lead the battle to combat it.

The problem has to be tackled on three fronts.

Firstly, appropriate agencies and authorities in education, social services and the community need a framework in which they can identify the children at risk, so they can be better protected.

Secondly, the criminal justice system needs to send out a strong message to those racketeers who become wealthy by exploiting and encouraging young children into prostitution. The arrest and conviction of pimps and those who oversee vice rings should be given greater priority by the police. And the sentencing by the courts should be so severe that it deters others from getting involved in the trade.

Thirdly, the police should be more vigilant in arresting the clients of teenage prostitutes and deter others from indulging in what amounts to the sexual abuse of children.

We have to be honest enough to admit that child prostitution will always exist.

There will be always children on the fringe of our society who can be dragged into prostitution. There will always be ruthless criminals keen to make money from organised rackets. And, sadly, there will always be adults willing to pay money for under-age sex.

But just because the problem will never go away does not mean we should stand by and accept that it will happen.

We have a duty to protect the most vulnerable people in our society, and to bring to justice those who are prepared to prey on them for money or for sexual perversion.