New research suggests twice as many children as previously thought may be suffering serious head injuries or even dying because of abuse.

Experts say inexperienced parents living in towns or cities are the most likely culprits and that a child is more likely to be harmed in autumn or winter.

Brighton already has a shameful history of high profile child abuse cases.

The killing of seven-year-old Maria Colwell, who was battered to death by her stepfather in Whitehawk in 1973, remains one of the most vile cases of child abuse in living memory.

The tragedy led to a major public inquiry and changes, including the introduction of the Childrens Act.

It also spurred a small group of Sussex people to start Parents' Helpline, a 24 hour hotline run for parents by parents every single day of the year.

More than 20 years later the shoestring operation provides a service which is as important now as ever.

Researchers from Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Sick Children now estimate that as many as 24.6 babies per 100,000 suffered from Non-accidental Head Injuries in 1998.

Earlier this year it was revealed that three babies had died and four others spent years living in filth and squalor while in the care of a Brighton couple.

An expert witness said the babies, aged 17 months, six weeks and five weeks, were smothered, probably with a pillow.

But the couple were acquitted of murder following a trial at Lewes Crown Court after a judge ruled there was no evidence to say which of the parents, if either, had done it.

We launched a campaign on the back of the sickening case for a change in the law which meant no parent or guardian could walk free when a child in their care was killed.

A petition backing the campaign and signed by 1,000 readers was handed to Home Secretary Jack Straw by a concerned mother, and after talks with Sussex Police and Kemp Town MP Des Turner, he agreed to consider introducing a new offence of killing a child by neglect.

Thankfully cases of serious child abuse are still comparatively rare and the majority of calls to Parents' Helpline are from families whose problems would not cause a listener serious concern.

These include handling a disruptive toddler, a difficult teenager or a child who is being bullied at school.

These callers generally find the chance to off load to a stranger is enough to put their problems into perspective.

However the service also receives calls from parents caught up in a web of poverty, isolation and poor housing, all factors which can put a family's well being under serious threat.

One parent listener, who has been manning the phones for 12 years, said: "Often these callers ring up with a particular problem but when we talk to them it turns out to be the tip of the iceberg.

"Lack of money, poor housing and no proper support network are the root of the problem. "

Listeners are not allowed to hand out advice but often try and help a caller come up with some solutions for themselves.

They can also point them in the direction of professional help if they think it is necessary as each listener has a comprehensive referral list and information about services in the area.

The months before and after Christmas can put even the most functional family under strain.

Dark nights and bad weather mean children are more likely to be cooped up indoors for long periods.

And the festive season brings with it money worries and puts added pressure on relationships.

Parents' Helpline is one of the few helplines which continues to operate 24 hours a day over Christmas and New Year.

Parents' Helpline is a registered charity, monitored and funded by grants from East Sussex Social Services and Brighton and Hove Council.

To call Parents' Helpline ring 01273 550600.