By Kris Jepson

Action for Children has warned that more than half of families in the North East of England are facing a difficult Christmas as "Dickensian" poverty takes hold.

A new poll by the charity reveals one million under-10s will be deprived of basics such as warm winter clothing, fresh food or celebrations this Christmas.

Watch @krisjepson's report here:

Action for Children blamed the government's austerity and ongoing problems with the introduction of universal credit for the "Dickensian" levels of poverty.

Analysis of government data and a new poll by the charity suggested:

30 per cent of North East parents could get into debt trying to cover cost of Christmas

52 per cent of North East families will cut back on festive essentials such as presents, Christmas dinner, and a tree

49 per cent rise in families seeking financial advice from its frontline services across England over the last three years

They're either being changed onto universal credits and they're having to wait 10 weeks with no payments, so these families are having to live off food banks time in and time out. They are literally having to choose about should we put the heating on or shall we feed ourselves this weekend and, when you put that together with Christmas, they really are living in Dickensian Christmas. It sounds extreme, but actually that's really what we are seeing. Sally Noden, Action for Children

Christmas shoppers Credit: ITV News

'Marie' is living in poverty and escaped an abusive relationship. The single mother told ITV News she has to prioritise what she pays for and always has to put her children first.

It's a struggle. I have additional needs with a disability so care bills don't get paid on time or fully, because the children take priority, you know, heating and food and uniforms and things like that. I just have to grin and bear it, like every year, like most people do. Try and plan as much as you can through the year and get help. If anyone offers you help, take it and just remember what Christmas is about, rather than all the expensive things. 'Marie'

The Department for Work and Pensions said it is listening to concerns from families who are now receiving universal credit.