CHILD protection workers in East Lancashire are bracing themselves for a dramatic increase in the level of violence inflicted on youngsters.

The NSPCC said a surge in physical abuse referrals was expected during the summer months.

The charity, which today launched a new scheme to protect children from violence, said the long school holidays caused the increase in calls to its helpline.

It blamed the added stress of parents and carers coping with children during the school break as a major reason for the rise in violence.

Marcus Erooga, Lancashire East team manager for the NSPCC, said: "Children need to be occupied more during the summer and they do not have the same routines."

The NSPCC is expecting a 50 per cent increase in calls from people concerned about children suffering from violence.

Last year, physical abuse referrals to the NSPCC's National Child Protection Helpline rose by half during June, July and August.

There was an average of 246 a month compared to 164 a month for the rest of the year. The violence reported included children being deliberately burnt with a kettle, struck on the face with a broom and thrown down the stairs.

The new NSPCC initiative 'Protect Children from Violence' contains a number of measures to protect youngsters from further violence.

Meanwhile, in East Lancashire the NSPCC's 'Starting Over' project has been a hailed a success.

Mr Erooga said the scheme, a partnership between the charity and Blackburn and Darwen Women's Aid, was aimed at women and children who had fled from households after suffering domestic violence.

He said volunteers were trained to offer women and children one-to-one emotional and practical support.

Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer should call Helen Rodgers on 01254 605560.

Volunteers for general fund raising or helping should contact Judith Hayes on 01254 606262.

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