Shelter is bracing itself for a rise in demand for help from people in Yorkshire and Humber struggling to keep their homes this Christmas, following a surge in callers to the charity’s helpline over the holiday period in 2012.

Last year, 1,003 people from the region called the helpline in December – a 13 per cent increase from the year before.

The number of people from Yorkshire and Humber who called the Shelter helpline from 2012 to 2013 reached 12,753 – a 12 per cent rise year-on-year.

It is expected that more families will find it difficult to keep a roof over their heads, especially as bills mount in the run-up to Christmas.

The Shelter helpline on 0808 800 4444 is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm Monday-Friday and from 8am to 5pm Saturday-Sunday, with a dedicated team of 50 expert advisors.