CHILD protection and children's medicine are to receive a boost in Darlington with the appointment of an expert.

Darlington Primary Care Trust has appointed Dr Alex Calabro as its leading GP for both fields.

The appointment comes in the wake of the Laming report, which followed the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie, in London, in February 2000.

Dr Calabro will help to develop policies and plans, and ensure the latest training is delivered to a range of professionals in child protection.

He will also deal with specific cases of alleged child abuse, liaising with the area's child protection team, specialist nurses and consultant paediatricians.

"There is much more awareness of child abuse nowadays," he said. "This increased awareness is leading to better services, better protection and prevention of problems in the first place.

"It is so much more than spotting the bruises. It is crucial to look at children's lives, their school life, their home environment.

"It is also vital to look at parenting skills and be there to support the whole family."

"I have always enjoyed working with children and have undergone paediatric training," Dr Calabro said.

"I had already worked with the paediatric team at Darlington Memorial Hospital so this is continuing my work with them."

As a GP at Parkgate Surgery, he has also run asthma clinics for children.