THE apology about to be wrung from the Australian Government over child migration is a major achievement.

Former Notts social worker Margaret Humphreys should feel hugely proud of what she has done.

As the International Association of Former Child Migrants says today, were it not for Mrs Humphreys, many migrants would still be in the dark about where they came from and would never have met their real parents.

Mrs Humphreys uncovered the scandal of child migration, which saw thousands of British children shipped to Australia without the knowledge or permission of their parents.

She founded the Child Migrants' Trust in West Bridgford to campaign for recognition of the injustice done to the migrants and to provide practical help to those who want to trace their parents.

On Monday a significant landmark will be reached when the Australian Government apologises for its part in the scandal.

But this is not the end.

The British government, which organised the deportation of its own citizens, is yet to issue a similar apology.

Furthermore, former migrants want both governments to address the matter of compensation.

While child migration is a shameful subject for many, Nottinghamshire stands tall.

The former migrants talk of their gratitude, not just to Mrs Humphreys, but to the county council and local residents.

When no one else seemed to care, Notts supported them in their struggle.

It is a little embarrassing, then, that a memorial board dedicated to them at County Hall has been ditched.