RESIDENTS in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are being asked to dig deep into their pockets this Christmas to help a national children's charity.

ChildLine - the UK's free 24-hour helpline for children in danger or distress - is looking to raise £152,000 nationally over the Christmas period.

The charity dealt with more than 500 calls in the Midlands region - which covers Worcester-shire and Herefordshire - last Christmas.

Eric Kent, the charity's midlands' fund-raising manager, said of those, 198 received more in-depth counselling from trained volunteer counsellors.

He said one of the calls they had received involved a boy whose parents had divorced. The couple reunited for Christmas but a row broke out and the boy was beaten by his dad.

The money the charity is appealing for will allow it to answer more calls. At present, demand is so high children have to dial the number repeatedly to get through.

Mr Kent said the boy's case was one of many which highlighted how vital the service was.

"We get calls from children all the year around and it's important we answer them," he said.

Mr Kent explained that children might be restricted as to when they called because they had to sneak away to make the call.

"At Christmas it's particularly poignant when they should be enjoying themselves. It's terrible to think children haven't anybody they can turn to for help."

ChildLine has several fund-raising events over the coming weeks.

People can also donate by calling 0870 242 0203.

Any child in distress who needs someone to talk to can call ChildLine free on 0800 1111.