THE NSPCC made 576 referrals to agencies in the Black Country about serious child neglect concerns over the past year, the charity has announced.

The Dudley local authority alone area saw 135 referrals made by the NSPCC helpline during the 2017-18 period, compared to 110 in Wolverhampton and 206 in Sandwell.

The helpline receives calls from concerned adults everyday with reports of children being left unsupervised, wearing inadequate food or being poorly fed.

Referrals include the helpline passing on the case to bodies such as the police or local authorities.

The charity has released the figures as it launches its Christmas Appeal to encourage donations to the helpline over the festive period and throughout the year.

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.

“This is why we are appealing to the generous nature of the public to support our Light For Every Childhood Christmas Appeal to help us be there for even more young people in need.”

Adults concerned about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.