Parental alcohol abuse and the impact of financial pressures were some of the concerns raised by hundreds of calls and messages to Childline on Christmas Day.

Yesterday, 70 volunteers from across the country listened to and responded to 1,176 calls, messages and texts.

The charity has had more than 900 contacts this year from children related to homelessness.

ISPCC's Director of Services, Caroline O'Sullivan, says yesterday was no different, explaining that it is 'incredibly worrying' to hear young children having concerns that should be for adults:

Childline Chief Executive Grainia Long said, "the season can bring unwelcome stress on families and issues such as financial pressures, worries about housing and alcohol misuse in the home can have a hugely negative impact on children’s experience of the day.

"Children are keenly aware of difficulties in the home and often the festive period can exacerbate tensions. Many of the children who contacted Childline on Christmas Day were concerned about the effects of alcohol being consumed in the home, while several others were alone, or looking after siblings and feeling isolated and lonely," she added.

The charity says it has been 'humbled' by the support of the public over the last year, and praised the work of their volunteers.