Helpline reaches out to Caribbean

It is hoped the confidential helpline will be set up by mid-September

A Scottish charity has answered a plea for help by sending a counselling expert to the Caribbean.

Earlier this year, a youth worker on the tiny island of St Martin appealed for support in setting up a confidential telephone line.

ChildLine Scotland is now sending a counsellor more than 4,000 miles to train the volunteers.

Over the next week 15 islanders will go through intensive training to deal with children's calls.

St Martin's warm weather and beautiful beaches have led to a thriving tourist industry.

But that has also brought thousands of illegal immigrants, who have flocked to the island to find work.

This has created social problems as their children cannot enrol in schools and there are some issues with domestic and sexual abuse.

Now, with the expertise offered by ChildLine Scotland, youth workers want to set up a confidential helpline.

Volunteers in St Martin hope their helpline will be operating by mid-September