A STRETFORD headteacher has helped launch a £1m appeal to expand a service aimed at combating child abuse.

Anthony Rae from Seymour Park Primary School joined Childline founder Esther Rantzen as the charity unveiled plans for the scheme to be rolled out in nearly 1,000 primary schools across Greater Manchester.

The aim is to raise the cash by 2016 to increase a service that has already been well received in nearly 400 primary schools in the area.

The service is aimed at 9-11 year olds and is delivered by a team of volunteers who combine special assemblies and interactive workshops.

Mr Rae said: "I have been a supporter of Childline for a long time. I've had a team coming into my different schools for many years and the team will do workshops with the children and special assemblies, talking about how they can keep themselves safe.

"I think it's really important that children are aware that the service exists because there are many children who are living with abuse and they don't know where to go for help. i got involved because I saw how wonderful Childline was working directly with children and raising awareness of their service.

"The aims of the campaign are to raise awareness for children that there is support out there for them. Children who are suffering in anyway can call and can get help. It's very much about helping the children and to give them a voice."

The service has attracted a positive response from parents, pupils and teachers at the 385 schools it has visited in Greater Manchester so far and Mr Rae said his role is to represent schools in the fundraising campaign and share his own experiences of working with Childline.

He attended the appeal launch at Manchester Central Library on Wednesday and speaking before the event he said he was 'extremely honoured' by the prospect of meeting broadcaster and children's champion Esther Rantzen.

* Anyone interested in supporting the Childline appeal should call 0844 892 0253 or email northwestappeals@nspcc.org.uk.