LORETO Preparatory School pupils got some friendly advice from NSPCC mascot 'Buddy' when he dropped in to tell them to 'Speak out and stay safe'.

The independent preparatory school on Dunham Road in Altrincham has now raised more than £10,000 for the NSPCC.

North West schools' organiser Helen Redman said: “Loreto Preparatory School's response to our appeals is always wonderful; they are absolutely fantastic and we could not be more grateful.”

In the North West the NSPCC has several service centres, including one in Liverpool. They also have Childline helplines in Liverpool and Salford. With the organisation answering 4,500 calls from children each day nationwide.

Loreto Preparatory School headmistress, Helen Norwood, said: “The NSPCC is one of the nation's most treasured charities and an important partner we are delighted to support. As teachers we are continually reinforcing the NSPCC's key messages that children should always tell an adult if anything at all is worrying them.”