Childline received more than 1,200 calls on Christmas Day from vulnerable young people

More than 1,200 calls, texts and online contacts from vulnerable young people across Ireland were answered by Childline volunteers on Christmas Day, it has emerged.

According to the group, the number of contacts answered rose by 25pc compared with December 25 last year. It is understood that some 45 kept the 24-hour service running yesterday as they responded to 1,267 lines of communication throughout the day.

Meanwhile, a brand new user-friendly live chat was launched last month to help improve the service's efficiency. It is understood that children spoke about tension in their homes, with many stemming from 'fraught relationships and alcohol intake.'

Other young people discussed how they felt sad and lonely, missing loved ones who are now longer around this Christmas.

Childline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for children and young people throughout Ireland who seek a listening ear.

The phone line can be contacted 24 hours a day at 1800 66 66 66, while the text line and online chat services can be contacted between 10am and 4am by texting to 50101 or visiting Childline.ie.