Shocking statistics show the level of child poverty in Stockton is rising affecting more than 16,000 kids.

That’s more than a third (37.4%) of youngsters in the town living below the poverty line – up from 33%.

The figures were revealed in a Stockton safeguarding children board report which analysed the care on offer for the borough’s kids.

Tracey Herrington is from Thrive Teesside – she tells us she’s not surprised by the numbers: “There are a lot of initiatives that have happened over the last ten years that have made it more difficult for people to manage and cope.