SIX months after the launch of a regional project aimed at establishing the extent of child prostitution, research has revealed the problem is still growing.

Barnado's children's charity began its Rise (Reducing the Impact of Sexual Exploitation) campaign in Newcastle in September last year.

And yesterday it was revealed that statistics have shown that there are 26 children and young people being exploited through prostitution in the city, with a further 121 at significant risk.

The research will move to another level this month with an extensive advertising campaign on buses in an effort to contact young people who are involved in prostitution or have been in the past.

Barnado's is carrying out the research on behalf of the Newcastle area child protection committee with support from Northumbria Police and Newcastle Primary Care Trust.

But workers at the project need help with the research in preparation for a final report and recommendations which will be launched in September.

Ady Davies, of Rise, said: "We have found the world of sexual exploitation through prostitution is a very closed and secretive one and we are having great difficulty breaking through and getting access into it.''

Rise can be contacted by logging on to the website www.barnados.org.uk/rise or ring 0191-261 6565.