FIGURES showing that one in three children in parts of the Amman Valley are living within what is technically defined as child poverty are shocking.

More importantly however, the figures – released by Sheffield Hallam University – are an absolute disgrace.

None who live in this area would ever deny that the post-industrial South Wales valleys are some of the poorest regions of the UK.

However, for a third of our children to be classed as living in poverty in 21st century Wales is completely unacceptable.

It is clear that no matter how many times the chancellor talks of green shoots, a growing economy and a successful fiscal policy, the reality is that everyday people are getting poorer.

It simply cannot be realistic to claim that the government’s austerity measures are working when the people who fed the economy are suffering ever greater hardships.

As always it is the poor who suffer – and the children of the poor who suffer most.

THIS Sunday – and again next Tuesday on November 11 – take a moment to remember.

This Remembrance Sunday – in the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War – is likely to be more poignant than ever.

Lest we forget.