Martin Brown was a victim of child killer Mary Bell

The Victims of Crime Trust is behind the project, which is being supported by the mother of a victim of child killer Mary Bell.

The trust says the proposed centre will provide research resources, offer post traumatic stress counselling, and a 24 hour help line.

The trust, founded in 1994, has mounted a petition to gather public support.

Justice system

The charity has received support from June Richardson, from Newcastle, whose four-year-old son Martin Brown was murdered by child killer Mary Bell in 1968.

Also backing the campaign is David Hines, from South Tyneside, who is the founder of The North of England Victims Association (NEVA).

Norman Brennan, director of the trust said: "The criminal justice system is failing victims and society.

"The money we raise will help set up a network of resource centres, including one in the North East.

"We believe that it is about time the victims of crime were at the front of the queue because they are always on their knees, their lives are destroyed, and their lives are devastated."

The trust says it hopes a mixture donations and public money will pay for the centre and others planned for the UK.