ANYONE travelling across Europe now has access to a universal helpline number if they are a Manx Telecom customer.

Manx Telecom has signed up to the 116 scheme which makes it easier for people to find the right number when they need help or advice.

The 116 numbers have been allocated by Ofcom and cover a range of services meaning people can ring the same six digit number wherever they are in Europe.

Graham Shimmin, head of product management at Manx Telecom, said: "We are happy to comply with Ofcom's recommendations to ensure that our Isle of Man customers, and visitors to the Island, can make use of the new pan-European short codes for charities and helplines."

The 116 numbers are:
116-000 – A hotline for missing children
116-111 – Childline service
116-123 – Samaritans

Two other lines a non-emergency medical on-call service (116-117) and a hotline for victims of crime (116-006) will also be available in the future.

All numbers are available on Manx Telecom fixed line and mobile phones.