GET Your Sparkle On – that's the message from the NSPCC this Christmas, as the children's charity urges people to help protect children in Dorset.

Workplaces, schools, families and friendship groups are being urged to join in the fundraising initiative by hosting sparkle-themed events on and around December 11. Landmarks across the country, including Bournemouth Pier, will be lit up green in support of the Christmas appeal.

Community fundraising manager, Caroline Morgan, said: "Sadly, 1 in 3 calls to Childline this Christmas will go unanswered, and this fundraising campaign aims to bring a light to every childhood. Our specially-trained counsellors speak to children and young people in their darkest hours every day of the year, even on Christmas Day, and £20 would help answer five calls to the Childline service.

“We rely on donations for 90 per cent of our income, and with our ‘Get Your Sparkle On’ fundraiser, every sparkle, every sequin and every pound raised for the NSPCC helps protect children.”

Just £3 helps the NSPCC deliver its Speak Out Stay Safe programme to a primary school pupil to teach them how to recognise abuse and get help. A £90 donation will provide a special assembly to 30 primary school pupils, and £580 would help reach a whole school of children.

In the last academic year, across the county of Dorset a total of 17,207 children were reached by the programme, with assemblies delivered at 73 schools.

Caroline said: “We are grateful to all of the organisations supporting us this year, lighting up landmarks, to encourage people to get their sparkle on.

“It’s easy for anyone to take part in Get Your Sparkle On this December 11 – whether you’re just wearing a sparkly jumper, or organising a sparkling bake-off at work, every single penny raised will go towards helping children and young people get the help they need this Christmas.”

Visit nspcc.org.uk/christmas/get-your-sparkle-on for a free fundraising pack.