Number of children calling Childline up by a fifth on Christmas Day

Childline has seen a 20% increase in calls to the service on Christmas Day, compared to last year.

The ISPCC helpline responded to almost 1,500 calls, texts and web messages.

The increase in answered calls was partly due to additional staff.

75 volunteers across the country offered support to hundreds of children who needed to talk on Christmas Day.

Margie Roe from Childline says Christmas can be a difficult time for children, and alcohol can often be a negative factor.