102 calls to the NSPCC from people in Devon were so serious they required the involvement of police or social services.

Figures released today show 1100 people in the South West contacted the NSPCC about neglect last year.

The number of calls from people in the South West needing urgent attention increased by 45% in 2011 from the previous year.

Callers to the NSPCC helpline described children going hungry and begging neighbours for food, others were worried about children left home alone or outside in the cold for hours on end.

Last year 222 children in Devon were subject to child protection plans because they were at risk of harm from neglect - that's up from 208 the previous year.

The NSPCC is testing a new approach with local authorities to find out what is most effective in identifying, preventing and tackling neglect quickly.