Repossession or eviction is a possibility for one in every 101 families in Bury, according to new statistics.

Shelter say they are expecting a record number of calls this Christmas from families who are on the brink of homelessness, as housing costs continue to rise while cuts to welfare take their toll.

In addition, the charity say there were 773 possession claims in Bury from October 2012 to September this year, which is the first stage in a process which can end in the loss of a home.

The statistics come as the charity carried out its fundraising appeal to support homeless children over the festive season.

They say they are already receiving more than 470 phone calls a day in the North West, offering support and advice to homeless families and those struggling to keep their homes.

In addition, statistics show that 820 children in the region wake up on Christmas morning without a home.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: “It is heart-breaking to see that so many people in the North West face spending Christmas with the threat of losing their home hanging over them. This is a frightening reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone.

“Times are tough, and these days it doesn’t take much to tip a family into the spiral that leads to homelessness.

“The government needs to rebuild our shredded housing safety net so that it’s there to catch those that fall on hard times, and allow them to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Statistics show that the highest risk of repossession or eviction in the North West is in Salford, where one in 61 households are at risk.

In nearby Bolton, figures show one in 91 households are at risk of repossession or eviction, and in Rochdale one in 95 households are at risk.

Mr Robb added: “We are urging anyone who can to donate to our appeal and make sure we can be there for every family facing homelessness, because no-one should be left to fight this battle on their own.”