Begging by children down more than a half, says charity

A charity group has reported a significant reduction in the number of children begging in public.

Leanbh, an offshoot of the ISPCC, said sightings of child begging have dropped from 924 in 2010 to 466 in 2011.

The group is urging people who see children begging not to give them money, but instead to buy them a hot drink or some food.

Leanbh manager Leanbh Adrianna Faketta said changes in legislation had had an effect.

She added: "We also worked really hard in engaging with the children and families who were begging and explaining to them the risks of begging and the implications and consequences of it."