The number of children reported missing from their homes in Greater Manchester has soared by 270% in the last three years a Freedom of Information request has show.
Figures suggest nationally the number of children who are reported as having ran away from home may reach 100,000 a year.
Wigan Today/Wigan Observer report:
Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Railway Children shows an increase of around 270 per cent in the number of reports of missing youngsters between 2008 and 2011.
More than 2,000 children under the age of 16 were reported missing in 2011, rising from 571 in 2008. the majority choosing to flee life at home or in care.