Most of the calls for help at this time of year come from rough sleepers trying to find somewhere to stay for Christmas.

But Shelter says an increasing number of people find themselves homeless following domestic disputes during the festive period.

Last Christmas 200 of the 1,000 emergency calls to Shelter's 24-hour free helpline came from families with children - a 30% rise on the previous year.

CHRISTMAS CALLS TO SHELTERLINE

Homelessness - 749 Accommodation needed - 78 Domestic violence - 74 Health problems - 57 Relationship breakdown - 56 Landlord possession action - 52 Household dispute - 47 Housing Benefit problems - 35 Dampness and disrepair - 34

Director of housing services Christine Parrish told BBC News: "At least a quarter of the people who called us last year were escaping from violence in their own homes.

"We all think Christmas is this wonderful time and we are all going to be happy and jolly - but for so many people it is actually a time when they are dragging round the streets with their belongings in carrier bags."

Ms Parrish said housing was a "major problem" throughout the year - "but at Christmas it becomes intolerable - that is when people snap".

Anyone with a housing problem this Christmas should call Shelterline on 0808 800 4444.