Suicide calls to a children's charity have soared over the past year with many of the desperate cries for help coming from Bradford area.

Childline this week revealed it has seen a 14 per cent UK increase in tragic young callers threatening to take their own lives as a way of escaping problems.

New figures showed 1,039 suicidal youngsters got in touch last year and an extra 1,698 callers mentioned killing themselves while ringing about other worries.

The shocking figures have prompted ChildLine to call on the Department of Health to carry out an in-depth study of young suicides and suicide attempts so a countrywide initiative can be set up to tackle the problem and save lives.

The charity also wants schools to play a bigger part in dealing with the issue by making sure all pupils have a designated teacher to talk to about their feelings.

ChildLine counsellor Ellie McRonald, who takes calls from Bradford children, said: "Young people tell us how important it is for them to have someone who will take the time to listen and be there for them when they are feeling so low.

"Young people talking about suicide should not be dismissed as just attention-seeking, they should be taken seriously. It's vital they know they don't have to suffer in silence. We are hoping the Government will listen to us and do something about it before figures rise even more."

Five times more girls than boys are making suicidal calls to Childline and statistics show abuse, constant rows with someone close, bullying, stress over exams, and worries about the future are at the root of their troubles making them feel anxious, worthless, hopeless and isolated.

President of ChildLine Esther Rantzen said: "All young death is agonising but suicide is among the cruellest of all - because it's preventable."

Of the 4,500 children who try to get through to ChildLine each day, nearly half will not get through because there are not enough funds to answer them.

This year ChildLine has set a target of raising £20 million to answer thousands more children during the helpline's 20th birthday year.

And the Yorkshire_North East helpline, which covers the Bradford district, is wanting to hear from more fundraisers and from volunteers interested in training as counsellors to help man the lines.

To make donations to ChildLine call 0800 876 6000 or becoming a trained counsellor call 0870 3362940.