BULLYING has become the biggest single problem for youngsters, ChildLine North West has revealed, as the help-line prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday.

And the organisation is appealing for more donations from the public to mark its anniversary and expand its operation to deal with more calls.

Director of ChildLine North West William Kidd said: "Calls about bullying make up 13 per cent of our calls, the biggest single problem we heard about last year.

"We have helped children to put bullying on the agenda and have forced the authorities to take it seriously."

ChildLine was established nationally in 1986 and opened its North West centre in 1992.

Two years ago the North West branch had just 42 volunteer counsellors, now it has 120.

But ChildLine can only afford to answer 3,000 of the 10,000 calls made by youngsters every day.

Nationally ChildLine aims to raise £7 million this year. And Bolton is playing its part with a fund-raising fashion show on October 13, at Bolton town tall. Details on 0161 834 9945.

Children who need someone to talk to can call ChildLine on 0800 1111.

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