The BBC soap's major storyline involves a 15-year-old-girl who is being sexually groomed by a paedophile.

Character Tony, boyfriend of Bianca, has been shown passionately kissing school girl character Whitney – Bianca's step daughter – in what has been dubbed one of the most controversial storylines ever on the show.

Scarborough's HOPE (Healing Our Past Experiences), based in Northway, is one of the agencies on behalf of EastEnders, which people can call if they have been affected by the programme's issues.

Pauline Carruthers, HOPE's voluntary service manager, said: "The programme has taken on board various agencies to man the helpline. Some people need support, the majority need signposting to the right agency. And as the storyline hots up we expect the phonelines to become much busier."

It comes as the Evening News launches its own campaign to introduce a new initiative to Scarborough to help protect children from paedophiles.

The initiative would be similar to the proposals for Sarah's Law, named after eight-year-old Sarah Payne who was murdered in 2000 by a paedophile.

The law would give parents the legal right to find out if a person they are suspicious of is a convicted paedophile. They have to use the information responsibly but it prevents parents from being denied important knowledge.

HOPE became involved with the BBC helpline through national agency, The Survivor's Trust, which works closely with the Home Office. The trust has also assigned the NSPCC and Childline. HOPE is dealing with adults who have been sexually abused as children.

Mrs Carruthers said: "The storyline is about Whitney who has been groomed by Tony since she was about 12. She has been groomed in such a way that she thinks she is in love with him. He has made her dependent on him, but she doesn't realise that this is child abuse. He has now dumped her because she is nearly 16. This is a typical pattern."

She added: "They have done it in such a way that many people can see the sexual abuse side of it without being salacious. Children are able to watch it and see that it is wrong. And adults will maybe identify with it, to what has happened to them, and realise that is why they may have mental issues."

HOPE was formed by survivors of sexual abuse to assist and counsel victims of sexual abuse. It is governed and run by volunteers. The charity provides support and practical help via counselling.

For more information contact Pauline Carruthers on (01723) 381811.