A new BBC Three reality programme which puts children in the care of teenage couples, has been criticised for 'putting the children at risk.'

The Baby Borrowers, which airs next week, shows a group of older teenage couples trying to look after children aged from six months to 14 years, to see how they cope with the reality of parenthood.

Though the programme, filmed on a cul-de-sac in Sprowston near Norwich last summer, has already been condemned for being "irresponsible and sick" by children's charities for putting the care of the children taking part at risk.

Dr Michele Elliott of the child protection charity Kidscape, told The Telegraph. "What is the BBC thinking of, giving babies and young children to inexperienced teenagers as entertainment?"

"It's sick to think that the BBC would commission such a show. Is this really what they should be spending licence payers' money on? I'm also appalled that the parents let their children be used in this way. Someone's got to make a stand and say this is a reality show too far," she added.

During filming, one baby was removed from its young carers and another child was not fed for a day. Norfolk County Council asked the BBC to cancel production of the show because of "concerns about the very real risk of physical or psychological damage to the children involved".

But the BBC said that the safety of the children was of paramount importance and that professional nannies were on standby throughout the experiment, with the Teens and Toddlers charity acting as consultants to "ensure that the subject matter was handled with sensitivity". The children's parents also gave permission and were staying nearby.

Psychological screening, criminal record checks, 24/7 CCTV cameras with only trained child care professionals and registered child minders monitoring the children were also employed.