THE horrifying events in Soham have affected the whole country. The depth of trauma that Holly and Jessica's parents are going through is impossible to imagine.

But am I alone in thinking that the in-depth coverage is now beginning to cross the border of decency? Far from being informative or helpful, it is now becoming mawkish.

In an investigation of this sort, the police have to work closely with the media because constant coverage can yield vital information and crucial clues. The police also accept that the media is not simply going to publicise what it is told. But, for newspapers and television, with that independence must come responsibility.

In an age where everyone seems keen for 15 minutes of fame, I fear there is a danger of side issues distracting the public and police resources. Some of the TV coverage has the feel of a reality TV show, every step the poor parents take seems to be shown live and anyone critical of the police is given airtime.

Meanwhile, I believe some newspapers are exploiting this horror as part of a circulation war - what next, an eight page pullout special on Soham's anguish?

Everyone is desperate to find the girls and there is mounting anger at their disappearance. But as the hours go by it appears people are already looking for scapegoats, with the police in the firing line.

One investigation I will never forget was the abduction and murder of Hartlepool girl Rosie Palmer.

I well remember seeking advice from experts in this type of investigation and they told me to concentrate inquiries in the close vicinity until we could be 100 per cent sure there was no further evidence to be gleaned - they were right as Rosie's killer lived just yards from her home.

Publicity can encourage a witness to come forward, but there is much that is kept back for operational reasons. I'm sure the police in Soham have a plan they are working to and we must trust them

No one wants to catch the culprit more than the police and they must be able to go about their task without having to answer numerous, often unfounded, criticisms.

Lessons may well have to be learnt from this episode but now is not the time for an inquisition.

NOW is decision time for thousands of North-East teenagers who will be coming to terms with their A-level results this weekend.

For those who did well, many congratulations. Ignore the killjoys who say exams are too easy, you can only answer the questions put in front of you. To cope with that pressure and emerge triumphant is a wonderful achievement. If results had been poor, these same moaners would be complaining that standards have declined.

Instead of knocking the results, we should be praising teachers for improving standards within our schools.

For those who did not get the results they hoped for - don't give up. I left school with no qualifications and it wasn't really until my early twenties that I finally realised what I actually wanted to do with my life. Turn the disappointment you now feel into a determination to succeed, to prove doubters wrong.

And, whatever your results, try and enjoy the last few days of summer.