Esther Rantzen has honoured one of Childline's longstanding volunteers in Manchester, thanking 76-year-old Trudy Barres for her 17-year contribution.

The broadcaster was in Manchester to mark the 20th anniversary of the city's branch of the helpline, which offers confidential counselling to abused and vulnerable children.

Ms Barres, who helps run Childline's Manchester office, said she did "whatever is needed. It keeps me out of trouble. I'm at Childline every week and it's nice to be appreciated.

"Childline are very appreciative of whatever volunteers do and Esther is always nice."

Ms Rantzen also thanked Cheshire entrepreneur Michael Josephson, who has helped to raise £175,000 organising Childline's annual north-west ball over the past eight years. The 36-year-old, who runs an overstock purchasing company, became a Childline patron after pledging £100,000 to its work.