THERE are 82 children in Bolton who will wake up homeless or in temporary accommodation this Christmas, according to new figures.

Housing charity Shelter says that Bolton has the fifth highest number of homeless children in the North West and that seven families become homeless every day across the region.

The figures, which include children living in refuge accommodation such as Fortalice, show that one in every 111 children in Britain is currently homeless.

John Ryan, Shelter Manchester hub manager, said: “It’s a national scandal that the number of homeless children in Britain has risen every year since 2011.

“No child should have to spend Christmas without a home — let alone more than 2,600 children in the North West.

“Many of us will spend Christmas day enjoying all of the festive traditions we cherish, but sadly it’ll be a different story for those children hidden away in cramped B&Bs or hostel rooms. Imagine living in a noisy strange place full of people you don’t know, and waking up exhausted from having no choice but to share a bed with your siblings or parents.

“That’s why our frontline advisers will continue to work tirelessly to help more families fighting homelessness.

“But we can’t do this alone.

“We’re asking people to help a homeless family and make giving to Shelter their new Christmas tradition.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We are committed to tackling all forms of homelessness and this includes making sure everyone in temporary accommodation is getting the support they need.

“We provide a range of temporary accommodation and these figures from Shelter include children who are in accommodation such as a refuge.

“Refuges give women and children fleeing domestic violence a short term, emergency safe place to stay.

“We work very closely with our partners Fortalice in Bolton who provide emergency refuge in Bolton and also a range of support services to assist women and children.”