Esther Rantzen set up Childline in 1986

The decision comes despite a 9,000-name petition protesting at the cutbacks.

Ten full-time staff have taken voluntary redundancy and only one full-time supervisor remains.

Childline says many staff have accepted the changes, but former volunteer Ben Troke said they had been pushed through "against the better judgement of local staff and volunteers."

Advice lines are now open 10 hours a week instead of 42 hours.

Cutting the services at Nottingham is not making life any better for anyone Ben Troke, former volunteer

Mr Troke said: "The new base is only open two days a week, but there is 24-hour coverage from other centres around the country.

"The calls will go to Leeds or Birmingham or London, but they are already swamped with calls at those centres.

"Cutting the services at Nottingham is not making life any better for anyone."

A Childline spokesperson told BBC News that 25 volunteers had handed in formal resignations.

Managers say they are reducing staffing and moving to smaller premises to save money.

Childline says many of the changes have been accepted by volunteers.

Before the cutbacks, the Nottingham centre was dealing with 300 phone calls a day from youngsters wanting help and advice.