Childline is launching a new phone line dedicated to children in Grimsby and the surrounding area.

From last week, it will be easier for children in North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire to get through to the comfort, advice and protection of the charity's counsellors.

The new number, 0800 389 5272, will direct callers to ChildLine's special helpline service for children in the region - jointly funded by Lincolnshire County Council and North East Lincolnshire Council.

ChildLine has run the special service for the region since 1994, using the charity's main helpline number, but the new number especially for local children will mean many more will be able to access ChildLine's service.

Rob Gardiner, counselling manager for ChildLine in the area, said: "Thousands of children in the region continue to turn to us for help with all kinds of problems, and over the past few years, we've seen a significant increase in the number of calls made to ChildLine on mobile phones.

"Calling ChildLine from a mobile phone means that a child can choose when and where they make the call - giving them greater privacy and safety in which to contact us for help."

But the use of new technology has meant difficulties for the charity in ensuring calls made on mobile phones from children in Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire can be answered on the dedicated lines for the region.

Some children have had to compete with other young people from across the East Midlands and East Anglia to get through to the help they need.

But now, by giving local children their number to call, it means they will be able get through to the dedicated lines, whatever phone they are using.

Caroline Blundell, chairwoman of the Lincolnshire Area Child Protection Committee added: "ChildLine continues to be a vital source of help and protection for our region's children.

"We are delighted that the new freephone number will make it even easier for local young people to reach the special ChildLine in Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire service and the help they need from ChildLine counsellors."