A SUPPORT service for victims of crime counselled and gave advice to nearly 200 people over the festive season in Bolton.

Bolton Victim Support Service revealed that Greater Manchester Police referred 187 reported cases of crime to them between Christmas Eve and December 28.

During the four day period the reported cases of crime have included 56 burglaries, 54 assaults, 48 criminal damage incidents and six robberies.

Staff have worked throughout the festive period to cope with the number of people who needed practical advice or counselling about how to cope with being a victim of crime.

Kath Bradley, district manager at Bolton Victim Support, said: "During the Christmas period there is a bit of a peak in the number of referrals we receive. But we are not surprised at the numbers, we deal with a similar amount of referrals every week."

Councillors Paul and Diana Brierley, who were at the Victim Support office on Pool Street to find out more about their work, were shocked by the statistics.

Cllr Paul Brierley, said: "I am amazed that there were so many reported crimes during the Christmas period. Its hard to believe that so many occurred during such a short space of time."

Victim Support is an independent national charity, funded by the Home Office and helped by the local authority, but it has to raise its own funds.

Cllr Paul Brierley has called for Victim Support to receive more funding to further boost the work they are doing in the borough.

Mrs Bradley has called for more volunteers to get involved at the town's Victim Support Service.

All volunteers will be given full training by trained staff.

To volunteer contact Glen Wood on 01204 399736 or 388 915. People who have become victims of crime can contact the national Victim Support helpline on 0845 3030900.