Kent has seen a huge rise in reports of child neglect or abuse to a helpline - with neglect claims showing a surge of 41% in Medway alone.

The county has seen more people coming forward to voice fears of abuse and neglect following the Jimmy Savile investigation, the children's charity NSPCC reveals today.

So-called "contacts" are when the charity refers information to agencies such as councils and police.

In Medway such calls to the helpline from the public concerned about neglect rose from 68 in 2012/13 to 96 last year.

Referrals for physical abuse rose from 40 in 2012/13 to 53 this year - a rise of 30%.

And sexual abuse reports in the area shot up by 26% over the same period - from 19 to 24.

Across the rest of Kent neglect reports soared by 30% in the time frame - from 277 contacts to 361.

Physical abuse referrals rose from 163 to 203 - or 25%, and contacts claiming emotional abuse increased by 21%, from 121 to 146.

The charity claims the figures reflect a refusal of the public to turn a blind eye to their concerns about a child's welfare.

The NSPCC also said it shows a growing demand for advice and action to prevent child abuse.

Altogether, the 24-hour advice line in Kent has seen a rise from 689 in 2012/13 to 833 in 2015/16.

Across the whole of the UK, the number of contacts passed on has climbed by almost a third to 33,333 from 23,733, when the Savile scandal first came into the public eye.

Louise Exton, Team Manager at the NSPCC’s helpline, said: “These figures reveal a nation that is more alive to the issues of child abuse following recent high profile scandals and the ongoing investigation into non-recent child abuse.

“They have become increasingly concerned and aware of the tell-tale signs of abuse and neglect in children and our helpline is an invaluable service for people worried about the safety of a young person.

“It’s a big decision to involve local authorities or police and our counsellors will only act when there is genuine concern for the welfare of a child.

“But people who are worried, and feel they need to speak to someone, can be reassured they will be listened to and taken seriously.”

Adults can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000 by texting 88858 or visiting www.nspcc.org.uk

The helpline provides adults a place where they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get information about child protection.