A CHARITY fighting to protect children fielded almost 200 neglect cases in Oxfordshire in the past year.

The NSPCC said its helpline handled 190 calls of child neglect in the county in 2017/18, resulting in referrals to police and local authorities.

Statistics were revealed yesterday as the charity launched its Light For Every Childhood Christmas appeal, to help support even more young people in need.

The charity's chief executive Peter Wanless 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."

During the same period, 20,000 such calls were taken by the helpline nationally.

Reports range from children being left unsupervised, clothed inadequately, being screamed at or living in filthy conditions.

Oxfordshire's neighbouring counties of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire recorded 197 and 181 calls respectively.

The new Christmas campaign is raising awareness of child neglect, and inviting people to donate to the NSPCC Helpline.

During the Christmas period extended family members often get in touch with the NSPCC after spending more time with a young relative.

For more details or to report suspicions of neglect, visit nspcc.org.uk.