A unique support scheme for runaway girls today revealed it had dealt with hundreds of incidents in Bradford within the last six months.

The Barnardo's-run operation - the only one of its kind in Britain - made contact with about 130 girls reported missing by their parents or carers.

Once the youngsters return home, skilled workers offer advice and support to keep them there - and away from potentially dangerous situations.

But Ginny Wilson, co-ordinator of The Bradford Young Persons Missing Scheme, said some parents do not always report children missing.

"Our message is that they must do this, even if they are gone for one night," she said.

She said there were a wide range of reasons why girls ran away, including family argument, school bullying or to be with older boyfriends.

"Young women are vulnerable to harm when they go missing from home. Most parents are happy and grateful to have a special service which is offered after such a worrying time."

The scheme's two main employees are skilled youth workers with experience in risk assessment.

As well as "providing any support that will help" Mrs Wilson said they could also put them in touch with other agencies. She said the service was strictly confidential.

The scheme is jointly funded by the Department of Health and Barnardo's although the Government grant runs out in March 2001. Mrs Wilson said she was determined to keep it running and to extend the service to cover missing boys.

The scheme has the full backing of West Yorkshire Police which informs the programme of every runaway case within each of its Bradford divisions.

After a pilot scheme which began in 1997, the scheme went district-wide six months ago.

Chief Inspector Joan Simpson, Bradford Police Community Safety Co-ordinator, said: "It is clear the scheme is making a major contribution in keeping young women safe in Bradford. There is already evidence of vital and timely work being done."

The group also runs a confidential telephone helpline on (01274) 499095.

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