CALLS to Preston Women's Refuge have nearly doubled after the organisation's phone number was printed on bus tickets, it was revealed this week.

Demand for services at the refuge are now so high that director, Valerie Wise, has called on the government for extra funds to help expand services.

The refuge already receives £500,000 a year from various sources, but Ms Wise said she needs £100,000 more to expand.

The aim of the bus ticket campaign, which ran in February and March, was to raise awareness of what the refuge does.

In April there were 725 calls to the 24-hour helpline, compared to about 400 calls a month previously.

She said they now have a waiting list for their major services, the refuge and an outreach worker.

"It's great that our services are being used, and it's the most successful campaign we've ever had, but it is not good when an organisation like ours has a waiting list," said Ms Wise.

"It's a constant headache where we get funding from, but I think central government should be funding us to a larger extent."

She said that it is estimated that at any one time between one in ten, and one in six women are experiencing domestic violence.

The refuge is planning to open a drop-in centre this summer, and is in talks with the police and Preston council about providing an advocacy service.

A Home Office spokesman, said £50million had already been allocated nationally for housing based support for domestic violence.

Ms Wise added: "It is important that all victims of domestic violence are taken seriously and their needs met by appropriate services."

Preston Women's Refuge Helpline number is 01772 201601.