IT'S seems a particularly frightening world at the moment.

Hostages being beheaded or burned alive by the Islamic State, whose barbarism appears to know no bounds.

Here in our region, slaughtermen displaying unthinkable at a halal abattoir in North Yorkshire.

As a father-of-four, and an editor focused on such depressing news, I frequently find myself despairing about human nature and living in fear about the future for my children.

But there is reassurance and hope to be found. On Tyneside, there has been the heart-warming story surrounding disabled pensioner Alan Barnes, who was mugged outside his home, only for a modern day angel of mercy to emerge in the form of beautician Katie Cutler.

Katie inspired a worldwide fund-raising campaign for Alan, which generated more than £300,000, and when money was donated to reward Katie with a holiday, she sent it to a cancer charity.

And then I read the story in today's Northern Echo about Jack Hobbs, nine, and his little brother Tom, five, who live in Stanley, County Durham.

During a visit to Newcastle, the boys were moved by the sight of people sleeping rough so they set about collecting warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags to donate to the homeless.

If we think about people like Katie, and youngsters of the calibre of Jack and Tom, the future seems a lot brighter don't you think?