WORLD-famous quiristers from Winchester College have raised more than £1,600 towards a vital children’s lifeline.

The cash will go towards NSPCC’s Childline service when the after the boys’ choir performed at United Church, Jewry Street, Winchester, on Saturday.

It will help fund up to 400 counselling sessions via the free confidential service.

Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen hosted the evening which was followed by a drinks reception.

She said: “It was a very special evening and thanks to the quiristers’ beautiful voices much-needed funds were raised for Childline so it can continue to help desperate children who have nowhere else to turn.

“The event was a wonderful example of children helping other children.”

Alison Benton, chairman of the NSPCC Winchester Fundraising Committee, said: “It was the first time the quiristers have performed for our fundraising committee and in all 150 people attended the concert which is fantastic number.

“Dame Esther gave a marvellous speech about how she founded Childline in 1986. At one point she addressed the choir and asked if any of the boys knew the Childline number. Several of them raised their hands showing there is a real awareness of the service.

“Thanks to the generosity of the participants and our sponsors, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the concert will go directly to support the charity.”

Following the concert, the quirister Charlie, aged 12, said: “There should always be someone to support a child who has been neglected and I’m pleased to be able to give something back to such a brilliant organisation.”

In 2016/17 Childline provided more than 295,000 counselling sessions, with an estimated 8,400 of these with children living in Hampshire.

Children in need of help and support can call Childline on 0800 1111. Alternatively, counsellors are available for a 1-2-1 chat via the website www.childline.org.uk.

The free and confidential service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.