REPORTS of child neglect have soared across the region, with children's charity NSPCC saying they have dealt with a record number of calls in the last year.

Figures released by the charity today reveal that in the North-East and Cumbria there were 927 referrals to social services or the police in 2016 -17, the highest number the NSPCC has ever had to handle from the region and a huge increase of 128 per cent from five-years-ago.

In Yorkshire and Humber there were 1,603 referrals, representing a 104 per cent increase.

The charity's report shows that it refers an average 18 reports of child neglect every week to the authorities in the North-East and Cumbria and 20 per week in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Behind the statistics are shocking stories of neglect in the region, including one incident where a concerned television engineer contacted the NSPCC after working in a home in Gateshead that was littered with cat faeces, mouldy food and swarms of flies.

A dishevelled, dirty child was living in the premises and the engineer phoned the NSPCC after finishing his work at the property.

The youngster was later removed from the home and into safety.

Neglect can be down to several reasons such as parents not having the skills, support or funds to look after their child properly or not being able to deal with their own mental health issues.

A growing number of people contacting the NSPCC Helpline also described parents as having a alcohol and drugs problems, with some of them regularly leaving their children unsupervised so they could go drinking with friends.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC said: “Neglect can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children, and can also be an indicator of other forms of abuse.

"This is why it is so important for anyone suspecting a child of being neglected to contact the NSPCC Helpline, so we can alert the authorities to quickly step in and help those in need."