NEW Government figures show that 141 children in the North-East will face waking up homeless this Christmas morning – a rise of one per cent since June.

For many children, this will mean living in one cramped room of a hostel or bed and breakfast with their entire family, sharing a kitchen and bathroom with strangers and eating meals on the bed or floor.

Nationally, the figures show that 93,000 children across the country now face the reality of living in temporary accommodation over the festive season.

Shelter is warning that the high cost of housing and cuts to the housing safety net are making it harder for families to keep a roof over their heads.

Bracing itself for a surge in demand, the charity launched an emergency fundraising appeal to help make sure it can be there for homeless families this Christmas.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: “No child should have to face homelessness, especially at this time of year – so it’s heart-breaking to think that hundreds will wake up without a place to call home in the North East this Christmas.

“When the worst happens, Shelter is there to help stop people losing their home.

“Our advisers will be working hard to help all those facing homelessness this Christmas.

“But sadly it’s getting tougher for us to be there for every family that needs us.

“We urgently need more support from the public so we can make sure no-one has to fight homelessness on their own this Christmas.”

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