The shocking number of child runaways in the region is laid bare today in a report by a leading children's charity.

Children as young as six are among 575 youngsters aged under 11 in the North-East and North Yorkshire who flee their homes every year.

The Children's Society found that youngsters who ran away under 11 were more likely to suffer violence at the hands of parents, live in care, be bullied at school, and be in trouble with the police.

Fran Johnson, head of society in the North-East, said: "I know of no other group of children whose experiences are so stark, whose lives are so punctuated with violence, abuse and neglect and whose needs are so completely unmet.

"Running away at such a young age is a warning sign that a child is in trouble. Many of these children become career runaways and can only look forward to a life of exclusion and unfulfilled potential."

The report reveals that an estimated 190 children flee their homes in Cleveland every year, along with 200 in North Yorkshire and 185 in County Durham.

One in four who run away for the first time are aged under 11.

Of that age group, they are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted on the streets and twice as likely to be hit by their parents than older runaways. The Children's Society is calling for a national network of refuges so youngsters have somewhere safe to go.

They also want to see awareness raised in primary schools, more anti-bullying strategies in schools and increased support for children with special educational needs.

"We need to offer the support that they need when they need it," said Fran Johnson.

"It is essential that we don't wait any longer."

Barbara Roche, Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, said: "These figures show just how important it is to tackle the problem. That's why the Social Exclusion Unit is looking in depth at the issues which lead young people to run away."