CHILDREN'S welfare workers are sending out an SOS to generate more cash to keep on caring.

Blackburn Child Care Society provides round-the-clock facilities for police and social workers to interview rape and abuse victims.

But officials are warning more money is needed to help keep the operation running smoothly.

The interview suite, which opened nine years ago, provides a reassuring environment for victims. Located in the Wilpshire area of Blackburn, it has been used more than 1,000 times since opening .

Director Pat Mahon told the Citizen: "The facility has cost us around £20,000 since we opened, and while we consider this money to be well spent, we would be delighted to receive any financial support toward its operation."

The suite provides a comfortable environment for children and other victims of assault for medical examination and counselling.

There are toys, crayons and books for the children, refreshment facilities, gas fire, a bath and a small doctor's room.

Police surgeon Marguerite Ackroyd, of Great Harwood police station, said: "The suite provides a comfortable environment for children and other victims of assault. I've lost count of the number of times I've been called to an examination there. Victims are understandably very distressed and the suite offers a pleasant, reassuring environment for them."

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