Anti-bullying charity closes as chief quits

A lack of funding was also blamed for the decision, the trustees of the charity said in a statement posted on its website.

The helpline, founded in 2007, was temporarily suspended last year after chief executive and founder Christine Pratt claimed it had received calls from Downing Street staff seeking help over alleged bullying at work.

Patrons of the charity, who included former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, resigned in protest at what they saw as her breach of confidentiality but Downing Street dismissed what they described as "malicious allegations".

The decision to shut the helpline was made after Mrs Pratt, who set up the charity with her husband, stepped down from her post earlier this week.

Trustees of the charity, which is based in Swindon, Wiltshire, said: "We believe our charity was unique.

"We believe there is no other UK bullying helpline today quite like the National Bullying Helpline, providing assistance to both adults and children who are affected by anti-social behaviour in the community, the home, the workplace and/or the playground."