We would like to thank all Daily Echo readers who have supported the NSPCC over the last year and helped us make a difference to the lives of abused and neglected children across the region.

Whether they have helped us by campaigning on our behalf, given donations, attended or helped at events or simply taken the trouble to read our literature and raised awareness by talking about the plight of the most vulnerable children in our society, your support is much appreciated.

People across parts of Hampshire have so far raised over £70,000 between April and November 2007.

Thanks to your hard work and generosity many children are looking forward to a happier new year than last year, but there is still much more the NSPCC wants to do.

It is a sad fact that there are many children who have nothing to look forward to this New Year. The statistics speak for themselves. Sixteen percent of children have experienced serious maltreatment and three quarters of children who have been sexually abused never tell at the time. Saddest of all, at least one child dies at the hands of their parents or carers every week, and the people most likely to suffer a violent death are babies under 12 months old.

Working very hard to protect children from cruelty, the NSPCC is helping children who have been abused, rebuild their lives and face the future with hope, all year round. But we rely heavily on the public's generosity to fund this vital work - 85 per cent of NSPCC funding comes from voluntary donations.

There are many different ways you can help make a difference to the lives of young children. We are always looking for more volunteers to join or form their own fundraising group and if you are interested we would love to hear from you. Please contact the South East local fundraising office on 01293 651840 if you can help in any way.

NSPCC.