Massive increase in child-begging figures

There's been a massive increase in child begging.

New statistics from the ISPCC reveal that the number of sightings of children begging is up 30% on last year.

The number of sightings of child begging in the 12 months to October 2007 was just under 1,100, up dramatically from just over 750 in the previous year.

Meanwhile, the number of children begging, or at risk of begging, that are getting help is just 144.

The figures are compiled by Leanbh, the ISPCC's round-the-clock service that works to combat child begging.

The statistics are being released at the start of a new public awareness campaign.

It is focussing on the message of treating those begging with kindness and respect but it claimed that people should not give money as it increases the chances of more regular child begging and doesn't fix the cause of the problem.