THOUSANDS of children, including more than 600 in the North-East and Yorkshire, will wake up homeless this Christmas, an investigation has revealed.

Government figures indicate 140 children in the North-East and 554 children in Yorkshire and the Humber will spend the festive period in temporary accommodation.

The investigation by the housing and homelessness charity Shelter has also revealed the number of homeless families living in bed and breakfast accommodation in England has almost doubled in three years.

In response, the charity has launched an urgent Christmas appeal to help those without a place to call home.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: “In the 21st century it cannot be right that homeless children are experiencing severe emotional distress, facing three hour round trips to school and having to eat their dinner on the floor.

“These days it only takes one thing to push a family into a downward spiral which can end in homelessness, and we’re bracing ourselves for an increase in demand from families who desperately need our help to keep a roof over their heads.”

Shelter conducted an in-depth investigation with 20 families in England who are currently or have recently lived in temporary accommodation.

Thirteen families described feeling unsafe in their accommodation, with some of the worst accounts including exposure to drug and alcohol abuse, fighting, swearing and racist language.

The majority had to live in one room, share kitchen and bathroom facilities with strangers, and eat meals in their room on the bed or floor.

Over half of the families said their children’s mental or emotional health had been affected, including reports of depression, panic attacks and wetting the bed.

Sixteen families reported their children’s physical health had suffered.

With the number of homeless families on the rise, Shelter is bracing itself for a surge in demand for its already over-stretched advice services.

The charity is calling on the public to help make sure it can be there for Britain’s homeless children this Christmas by donating to its urgent appeal.

Mr Robb said: “Our advisers will be working tirelessly to support people who find themselves homeless this Christmas but it’s getting harder and harder for us to be there for every family that needs us.

“We urgently need more support from the public.”

To support Shelter’s emergency Christmas appeal please visit shelter.org.uk or text SHELTER to 70060 to donate £3.