CHILD prostitution in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale is worsening, according to health bosses.

And to combat the problem more action is being taken to stop youngsters being forced into the sex trade.

Child protection chiefs from the areas' Primary Care Trust (PCT) highlighted the issue at a trust meeting this week.

Prostitution involving children from the region was raised as a concern by its chief executive, David Peat, last year and a working party was set up to tackle the issue.

A report by Jane Magee, child protection lead nurse, stated: "Although not always prominent or visible, it is recognised that children and young people are the victims of sexual abuse through their involvement in child prostitution.

"This exposes children to high risk situations and behaviours that leads to assault and, in some cases, death.

"Children do not enter prostitution voluntarily, they can be groomed into the role, coerced, enticed, or are just utterly desperate."

Mrs Magee also said there was anecdotal evidence from the police and other groups involved in child protection to show that child prostitution was a growing problem in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Following the latest report, health bosses will carry out a review of how widespread the problem is across the area and establish a strategy for dealing with youngsters caught up in the sex trade.

The PCT is also looking at new sources for funding and bidding for extra cash to boost its arsenal in clamping down on child prostitution and to train staff on 'issues of awareness'.