STRESSED out teachers looking for a sympathetic ear now have the opportunity to pour out their troubles.

A telephone counselling service, which has helped school staff in the Burnley area since November 1995, is now available in Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

Backed by the county council's health and safety committee and trade unions, the scheme offers a sympathetic ear in complete confidentiality.

County councillor Stan Wright, education committee chairman, said: "Everyone suffers from stress at some time and staff in our schools are no exception.

"The scheme is open to all school staff - not just teachers - and provides an anonymous service with a trained counsellor who is herself a primary school teacher."

Coun Wright added: "Staff can call the helpline and talk about any problems, worries or fears they may have in complete confidentiality. They do not even need to say who they are or where they work."

The service is available from 7pm to 10pm each Sunday by calling (01282) 692079.

Posters and leaflets with more details are being circulated in local schools.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.