BUSINESSES found out first-hand about the work of ChildLine and swapped fundraising ideas at an event in Nottingham last night.

The open evening at the East Midlands ChildLine base, in Old Basford, was held in support of the Nottingham Post's NSPCC Business Challenge.

We are encouraging firms to raise cash for the base, so it can expand and take on more volunteers.

SLR Consulting has raised the most amount of money so far, having already handed over £385 to the NSPCC.

Ben Sarton, associate consultant for SLR, said they aim to raise £3,000 by the end of the three-month challenge.

"It's a great cause and it's close to home, because we can come down here and see the results. We are literally two or three miles down the road," he said.

"It's good for people at work because it gets people involved in different activities."

The £385 raised by SLR Consulting so far is through sponsorship for one of the senior employees, who is cycling 260 miles over the Northumberland hills.

Members of staff are also taking part in a car wash at the company's premises in Aspect Business Park, Bennerley Road, Bulwell, this Thursday.

People are welcome to take their vehicles along between 10am and 4pm, and they will be washed for £5.

John Gladwell, senior supervisor at East Midlands ChildLine, explained the work the volunteers do at the ChildLine base in Nottingham.

As well as taking calls through the number 0800 1111, volunteer counsellors help young people through the website at www.childline.org.uk.

John explained that this time last year counsellors talked to around 2,500 children each month, but now that figure has risen to 4,500.

"The need is getting greater and greater, which is why the work you are doing in supporting ChildLine in Nottingham is so important to us," he said.

Nottingham-based business organisation Network NG has already raised £285 – the second highest amount of money so far.

Investment Sense has also signed up for the challenge, and company director Anna Timms was among those at last night's event.

"We've got loads on," she said. "We are trying to get as many different ideas aimed at different types of people."

Prizes will be given to the businesses which raise the most money over March, April and May.

To sign up, send an e-mail with the subject 'Nottingham Post NSPCC Business Challenge' to both of the following addresses: JCowlishaw@NSPCC.org.uk, and caroline.lowbridge@nnmg.co.uk.