A MOTHER who left her three children with a 15-year-old babysitter while she flew to Turkey on holiday had her children removed for the second time last night.

Social workers removed the two girls and a boy from Kelly Ann Rogerson's care at about 6.30pm, after visiting them at their Darlington home.

The children, all under the age of five, have now been placed with their father and grandmother at another house in Darlington.

The Northern Echo understands a social worker paid Miss Rogerson an unscheduled visit last night and she voluntarily handed over the children.

Miss Rogerson, 24, also known as Kelly Ann Piggford, was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months by South Durham magistrates on August 30, after she admitted three counts of neglect arising from her trip to Turkey. She could face jail if police prosecute her for neglect and she is found guilty.

But last night, Inspector Alan Davidson, of Darlington Police, said: "At this stage, we have not initiated a criminal investigation in relation to allegations of neglect. However, that can't be ruled out."

The children and their father cannot be named for legal reasons, but last night their grandmother told The Northern Echo: "They are very happy now. They have had a bath and have eaten, and the oldest one has just told me that she doesn't want to go home.

"I am absolutely gutted by this whole thing, she is tearing these children apart."

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council's social services declined to comment. Miss Rogerson could not be contacted for comment last night.