A new service aimed at protecting Dorset’s primary school children from abuse needs a team of volunteers to help it work.

The new Childline Schools Service will help under 11s to understand what abuse is, how to protect themselves and how to seek help if they need it.

But the charity needs volunteers to deliver safeguarding assemblies and interactive workshops.

Dorset will be among the first counties in the country to offer the service and is offering training, support and materials to anyone who offers to help.

“Research shows that the majority of children who contact Childline for advice, information and support are over 11, however we know most children on the child protection register are under the age of 11,” said Lee Mitchell, head of the schools service.

For more information about the service, visit the website nspcc.org.uk/schoolsservice