I AM writing to ask you, your readers and our MP to back the OutCry! campaign, a partnership between The Children’s Society and Bail for Immigration Detainees, which is demanding an end to the immigration detention of children.

Every year, the UK immigration system locks up about 1,000 children. They have often fled countries where they experienced violence, war and discrimination. They have committed no crime and are hidden from society.

The effects are terrible. Many experience depression, weight loss, bed-wetting and even self-harm. This may be happening to children in our community and I believe this is immoral and unacceptable.

Residents of our community cannot ignore this issue. It could be a child who lives on our streets and attends our local schools, who is detained next.

People in the North-East have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Do we want to lose that reputation by tolerating cruelty to innocent children?

Join the campaign at outcrycampaign.org.uk Mrs Ula Elliott, Peterlee, Co Durham.