TODAY we expose the underbelly of Gwent society and reveal a growing threat to vulnerable young girls. It is shocking stuff.

Three men have now been jailed this year after paying teenage girls for sex.

Police say girls as young as 13 are being exploited by older men. Many of these youngsters are in the care system and therefore often extremely vulnerable.

The police launched Operation Artemis in the Newport area last year following concerns raised by local councils.

They uncovered a pattern of behaviour that sees men take advantage of vulnerable girls by plying them with alcohol and then paying them for sex either with cash or gifts.

While there have only been three convictions as a result of the operation, police and other agencies are convinced the operation has helped prevent many young girls being exploited.

Much as we might wish for a world in which sickening crimes such as this did not happen, society as a whole has to accept that these terrible things are taking place.

We should all be grateful for the actions of the police and often-maligned social workers in tackling problems some people might prefer to pretend did not exist.

Operation Artemis is far from over but we are full of praise for those who are doing their utmost to protect vulnerable children.