SIR – I have fond memories of Christmas as a child, and now that I have a family of my own this is still a very special time of year. Unfortunately, for many children in Yorkshire this Christmas will be tainted by stress and unhappiness.

Action for Children has found that more than 70 per cent of its frontline staff in Northern England have seen an increase in children and young people who need emotional support this year. This is because of the impact of serious problems faced by their parents, such as poverty, alcohol dependency and family breakdowns.

I am deeply saddened by stories of children who know not to ask for presents this Christmas because “Santa doesn’t have pennies this year”, and of families who are struggling to buy food and heat their homes in the cold winter months.

During the festive season, we should all spare a thought for vulnerable families across Yorkshire. I will be donating to Action for Children’s Christmas appeal, and I hope that your readers will too.

To donate £5 to the appeal, text DONATE5 to 70080 or visit actionforchildren.

org.uk/itsnottheirfault.

Tina Hobley, c/o Action for Children, Ascot Road, Watford