FEWER calls over alleged child neglect are received from the City of York Council area than any other part of Yorkshire and Humberside.

Details released by the NSPCC looked at 1,824 calls to its helpline from the region, which were referred to police, child protection agencies and local authorities.

The figures - released for the launch of the charity’s Light For Every Childhood Christmas Appeal - showed just 30 referrals were made to the City of York Council area, with 162 from the North Yorkshire County Council area.

During the festive period extended family members often get in touch with the NSPCC after spending more time with a young relative and becoming concerned for the child’s welfare.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Neglect doesn’t stop because it is Christmas, the holidays can in fact magnify problems because children are cut-off from the wider community and their support network.

“While it is positive that people are being vigilant and reporting concerns of children suffering neglect rather than standing by, it is still deeply worrying to see that neglect continues to be the most common reason for contacting the NSPCC Helpline.”

The highest figures were from Leeds (223), Bradford (217) and Kirklees (207).

The NSPCC Christmas Appeal is calling for donations to the NSPCC Helpline through nspcc.org.uk.