One in four new-born children in south Essex misses out on cash because their absent-minded parents forget to bank free Government money, new figures have revealed.

Since April 2005 every new child born in Britain gets £250 from the Government to get them started on a trust fund they can access when they are 18 - or £500 in the case of low income families.

When the child reaches seven, the Government top that up with the same amount.

But a new report shows the cash is not enough to spur parents into action.

In Southend only 74.8 per cent banked the money, in Basildon only 70.7 per cent, Billericay 75 per cent, Rochford 71.9 per cent.

Leigh proved to be the lowest with only 67.6 per cent of parents paying it into an account, while parents in Rayleigh proved to be the most organised with a 79.7 per cent participation.

The figures have now been released as part of a campaign to get parents to get their child's trust fund set up.

Government spokeswoman Maddy Ratnett said in the case of scatterbrained parents HM Revenue and Customs would set up an account on behalf of the child.

She said: "The child never misses out, but it would be so much easier for the parents to do it. Plus they could be losing out on interest.

"They have 12 months from the day their child is born to set up, but there is quite a few parents out there who haven't got round to it yet. That is why we are trying to encourage parents to do it."

The campaign is being backed by former Emmerdale actress Sheree Murphy.

The mother of two said: "My children's future is always top of my mind, and the child trust fund is a fantastic way to start saving for them.

"Harry (Kewell) and I opened a child trust fund account for our daughter Ruby."

Family and friends can contribute up to £1,200 a year to it for birthdays and at Christmas.

"Watching it grow together will be a great way for Ruby to learn about the importance of saving for the future," added Sheree.