CHILD protection activities in Wyre Forest have been boosted by £16,000 as folk dipped into their pockets to support the area's NSPCC branches.

The cash was generated by the Kidderminster and North Worcestershire branch and Phil Sharpe, the charity's Worcestershire appeals manager, said: "It's quite a small branch and it's done well to raise the money."

The success will be reported at the branch's annual meeting at Hartlebury School next Thursday which will be the last for chairman David Bolam after a five-year stint.

Mr Sharpe said: "Apart from his contribution as branch chairman, he has been involved with the society nationally."

Nominations for a successor to Mr Bolam, who is head teacher at Hartlebury School, will be sought during the meeting.

It will be addressed by Tony Quinnell, practice manager of the Worcestershire and Herefordshire Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour team, and Ray Tait, of the Worcestershire Children's Advocacy and Representation Service.

The meeting gets underway at 2pm and is open to anyone who wants to attend.

There is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week national NSPCC helpline for anyone who has concerns about a child.

The number is 0808 800 5000.