ChildLine Scotland is to get £70,000 from the Scottish Executive this year - up more than 60 per cent on last year's figure of £43,000.

A similar level of support has been pledged for the following two years.

Speaking during a visit to the ChildLine offices in Glasgow, Deputy Education Minister Nicol Stephen said: "ChildLine is a powerful advocate for children's rights. We are determined they should have the resources needed to do that job.

"Their services provide protection for children in need, give a voice to the views of children and young people, and focus public attention on children's welfare."

ChildLine Scotland provides a 24-hours free confidential helpline for children in trouble or danger. It was set up 11 years ago and offers support, advocacy and mediation services. It also provides an Anti-Bullying Helpline, a helpline for children and young people living away from home and a training and outreach programme aimed at empowering children and young people to help themselves and their peers.