Esther Rantzen talks of transforming power of ChildLine in Shrewsbury

Television campaigner Esther Rantzen has told how the real-life success stories behind children's charity ChildLine inspired her to put pen to paper.

The star visited Shropshire yesterday to talk about the work of the charity she helped set up. The journalist and broadcaster was the special guest at a literary lunch held at Shrewsbury Golf Club in Condover which had been organised by the Welsh Borders branch of the NSPCC.

The event saw Esther speak about her new book, Running Out of Tears, which is based on the real life-stories of adults who rang ChildLine when they were young, and the transformative effect of that contact.

She told the assembled gathering about the ways in which the charity has helped many people over the years, as well as her personal involvement with the organisation.

"I wrote Running out of Tears to mark the 25th anniversary of ChildLine and it is an honour to be invited to this literary lunch and have the opportunity to speak to people about the book and what ChildLine means to me," she said.

"ChildLine has helped transform children lives, protecting them from abuse and neglect and giving them hope. The book is a way of acknowledging the impact that it has had on many children's lives over the past 25 years."

Beccy Grundy, NSPCC community fundraising manager for North Wales and Welsh Borders said that it had been a pleasure to welcome the celebrity campaigner along to the event.

"We were absolutely delighted that Esther was able to attend our literary lunch," she said.

"Her presence added glamour and prestige to the event. I'd really like to thank Elaine Adams, branch president, and Pam Morris, branch chairman, for organising this literary lunch and making it a huge success."