The chairman of the Chelmsford branch of Age Concern has spoken of her 'delight' that a phone line to report elder abuse has been launched.

The phone line has been set up to raise awareness of elder abuse, which can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or general neglect, and to provide a helpline for victims or anyone who has suspicions that someone they know or love is being abused.

Nick Alston, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has joined forces with independent charity Crimestoppers and the Safeguarding Adults Boards of Essex, Thurrock and Southend to trial the phone line - 0800 032 7644 - for nine months and could potentially be rolled out across the UK if it’s deemed a success.

The phone line was launched by TV presenter Fiona Phillips on Thursday at The Age Concern Centre in Chelmsford.

Chairman Freda Mountain, of Chelmsford, attended the launch and said: "It's absolutely fantastic, it's something that should have been done years ago.

"Childline has been such a success, why not have one for the elderly?

"In this day and age it's necessary that there is a phone line like this so people can get the help they need.

"If it's a false alarm, it is still much better than no phone call at all.

"You never know what it could prevent."

The line, which is being funded by Essex PCC, will be manned by Crimestoppers call handlers, who will pass on information to the relevant Safeguarding Adults Board.

Information will also be passed to the police if a crime is thought to have taken place.

To report abuse call the helpline on 0800 032 7644 or information can also be passed anonymously through an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/essex-elder-abuse For more information about the reporting line, visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/essex-elder-abuse or follow the campaign on Twitter with #SpeakUp