AN anti-bullying hotline for Bolton children has seen a 14 per cent increase in calls since the start of the New Year.

The Bully Free Zone helpline has received 16 calls from distressed youngsters who have been bullied in the last two months - two more than in the same period last year.

Bully Free Zone volunteer co-ordinator Pete Kobryn said the higher number of calls did not necessarily mean more children were being bullied.

He said the rise may be because Bully Free Zone had gained a higher profile, so more young people were aware of the helpline. He said: "It's quite positive that more people are contacting us compared with a few years ago. It shows that they are prepared to turn to our helpline when they are being bullied. We have also had more people using our website, which shows that the message is getting across."

The charity advises parents that children who are being bullied often undergo mood changes and start using various excuses to avoid going to school.

In 2003, Bully Free Zone, which is based in Palace Street, Bolton, received 87 calls to their helpline from children scared of bullies. Of that number, 25 said they were not going to school because of them. In previous years, the helpline has averaged about 50 calls a year.

The Bully Free Zone helpline is 01204 454958.