NSPCC closes four ChildLine call centres

Four childline call centres are to close by the end of the month, with telephone services being replaced by online counselling.

Centres in Swansea, Exeter, Leeds and Edinburgh will shut as part of a review of its operations. The NSPCC runs 14 ChildLine call centres and about 400 volunteer counsellors will be affected by the cuts.

Peter Liver, ChildLine director, said: "We are fully committed to working with staff and volunteers to identify suitable redeployment and volunteering opportunities wherever possible for those affected."

The charity hopes to increase online counselling, with an online service replacing the call centre in Leeds.