From February 1, ChildLine and the NSPCC will formally join forces to help, support and protect even more children.

ChildLine staff will become NSPCC employees from this date. ChildLine's current deputy chief executive, Anne Houston, will take up the new post of Director of ChildLine. This will be incorporated within the NSPCC's Services for Children and Young People headed by Wes Cuell.

Esther Rantzen will become a member of the NSPCC board of trustees.

ChildLine's name and 0800 1111 phone number will remain unchanged. Volunteer counsellors will continue to provide a free 24-hour service for any child or young person with a problem.

NSPCC Director and Chief Executive Mary Marsh said: "Both the NSPCC and ChildLine will continue to work for the best interests of children."

"By joining together we have even more opportunity to do this and to help millions more children in the years to come."

ChildLine Director Anne Houston said: "We are certain that our loyal supporters will stay with us as we take this momentous step for children. Continuing funding from the public and the greater financial security offered by becoming part of the NSPCC provides an exceptional opportunity to help many more children who call ChildLine."

Source - NSPCC