CHILDRENS charity NSPCC have welcomed their first business backer to sponsor them during Childline’s 30th anniversary year.

The NSPCC service centre, based in Little London Court, Old Town will be supported by estate agent Strakers during the milestone year.

This year is the 30th anniversary of Childline, the help and support service set up by Dame Esther Rantzen in 1986.

A calendar of events including a Go Green Day and a Really Big Board Game Day will be held to raise money for the charity.

Caroline Morgan, community fundraising manager at the NSPCC, said the charity was determined to up their fundraising game during the 30th anniversary celebrations.

“We’re delighted to welcome Strakers on board and we’re so happy they have agreed to support us during this monumental year," she said.

“Childline is a fantastic service, which has grown and evolved in the past 30 years. Now children can call, text, email and our team of volunteers are there to help them.

“We hope to raise thousands which will help us run this incredibly vital service. There are lots of fun activities for businesses to get involved in, taking time away from their desks to have a game of scrabble or a cake sale, anyone can get involved."

Lindy Fitzpatrick, senior valuer at Strakers said she was delighted to be supporting the centre.

“As a mother I’ve felt a personal connection to the NSPCC and the work they do. I didn’t really know about the centre in Swindon until I spoke to Caroline and it is a real honour to be supporting them," she said.

“I remember when Childline was launched in 1986 and it’s stood the test of time.

“We’re a family company here and we always want to do our best to help anyone out so we’re excited about taking part in events and hopefully raising lots of money.

“I hope other companies in the town will come forward and join Strakers in supporting the cause.”

The Easter Bunny also paid a belated visit to the centre with the donation of 100 Easter eggs to the centre.

The NSPCC is the country’s leading children’s charity. They help young people, who have suffered abuse, to rebuild their lives and work to prevent them suffering harm in the future.

The donation will enable the centre to continue delivering four key services in the town, including outreach to young children who have been victims of sexual abuse, as well as parents expecting a child, parents who are struggling or are in drug and alcohol recovery.

For businesses looking to support the NSPCC during Childline's 30th year contact Caroline Morgan on 01752 422 603 or email caroline.morgan@nspcc.org.uk