A CHARITY that offers counselling to children being hurt or abused has received a boost from the mayor and mayoress of Northallerton.

Childline, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, received the donation of £23,000 from Councillor David Blades and his wife, Shirley.

The money was raised throughout Coun Blades' first year in office, most of it coming from two functions - a fashion show sponsored by Barkers and the mayor's charity ball, both held in the Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton.

Coun Blades said: "When Esther Rantzen made her presentation for the Childline charity, I did not realise that these type of things went on and children had this kind of problem, and it stuck with me."

He thanked those who helped and supported them in the fundraising efforts and said he and his wife were amazed at how much money they raised, especially as they thought they would do well to raise £5,000.

Mrs Blades said: "It has been about raising awareness of the needs of children and it has brought the issue to a higher profile in our lives. It is about being aware of the ongoing needs of children and of the charity."

The money was received by Sandra Harding, Childline's regional fundraiser, who became involved with the charity nine years ago. She said: "This is a fantastic achievement. It means that many more thousands of children will be able to speak to someone as a result."

Childline is hoping to raise £20m this year.