A TEST Valley primary school welcomed TV presenter Esther Rantzen to talk to pupils about understanding and protecting themselves from child abuse.

Joined by members of the NSPCC, the charity delivered its fun Speak Out, Stay Safe assembly at Wellow Primary School near Romsey.

Dame Esther, founder of Childline, attended the assembly to see how the service teaches children as young four about the different forms of abuse, including sexual abuse, and who asthey can turn to for help including Childline.

With the help of mascot Buddy, a big green speech bubble, specially trained volunteers taught Key Stage 1 children about understanding abuse in all its forms; recognising the signs of abuse; knowing how to protect themselves and how to get help.

Dame Esther said: "Thanks to the NSPCC's Speak Out Stay Safe service we are not only giving children the knowledge to prevent abuse but also the confidence to speak out and the courage to seek help via Childline or a trusted adult.

"Childline is there for young people 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Children can call about any problem, big or small, and they will be listened to, without judgement, no matter what they are calling about."

Emma Aked, NSPCC Schools Area Co-ordinator for Hampshire, added: "We are so pleased Dame Esther Rantzen was able to see for herself how the NSPCC's Speak Out Stay Safe is promoting the Childline service which she started in 1986. Our ambition is to visit every primary school in the UK at least once every three years so children know how to stay safe one generation at a time."

The Speak Out, Stay Safe programme was launched in 2011 after research showed the majority of children who contact Childline, run by the NSPCC, are more than 11 years of age.

But many said that the abuse had begun years before they picked up the phone. The aim is to reach children potentially before abuse starts.

In 2015 and 2016 the programme was delivered to more than 11,000 children across Hampshire.

To continue to expand on the number of primary schools visited across the county the charity is looking to recruit more volunteers.