SUPPORT workers in Bolton say they are ready and waiting to help the victims of crime and their families.

Their pledge comes after Dr Janet McKenzie, the sister of murdered Bolton woman Liz Sherlock, asked the Government to give more help to victims' relatives. Dr McKenzie said there was no system in place to help her family cope with Mrs Sherlock's death following the subsequent trial.

Volunteers at Bolton's Victim Support service say they are already waiting in the wings if families facing such traumatic situations need a helping hand.

Deputy manager Lynn Shaw said: "The police have very good liaison officers who help victims and their families when a crime has been committed.

"We work alongside them and also give families long-term support. Victim support volunteers are specially trained to deal with these situations.

"There are a range of ways in which we can help. We always try to give families the support they need."

The unit liaises with the police on behalf of victims' families and offers counselling and advice. There are more than 60 volunteers in Bolton, who can link up with other agencies to find out about paying funerals costs and about negotiating the court system.

Families who need the service's help can contact the volunteers on 01204-399736.

Dr McKenzie, together with the mothers of murdered children James Bulger and Sarah Payne, wrote to 10 Downing Street asking the Prime Minister to help bereaved families struggling to cope on their own.

Her 42-year-old sister died after being run down outside London's Euston Station while chasing a thief who stole her handbag.