READERS have shared what age they would consider leaving a child home alone.

It comes as parents thinking of leaving their children at home while they head out are urged to read the latest NSPCC advice.

Managing work and childcare in the six-week summer holiday can present challenges for parents, so the organisation has offered its advice on what can and should be done.

There is no legal age a child can be left home alone as every child matures differently, but it is against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk.

Last year, the charity’s helpline made 566 referrals to agencies in the West Midlands following contacts about children being left alone without supervision of an adult, a 23 per cent increase from the previous year.

The NSPCC is preparing for another spike in calls this summer.

A spokesperson said: "We would advise a child who doesn’t feel comfortable shouldn’t be left alone.

"Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period of time.

"And children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight."

Keith Johnson said: “I'm 62, quite relaxed about leaving our two.”

Adam Hayes said: “If anything I'd be more worried.”

Jason Nicholl said: “When they show the maturity to be left alone.”

Daniel Cooper said: “Four.”

Janet Bury said: “My next door neighbours off my old estate worked and in summer their two teenage lads used to half kill each other on a regular basis. Not fun to listen to.”

Nicola Bull said: “Depends on the child.”

Hayley Thomson-Geldart said: “Completely depends on the child and the parent.”

Daniel Dezmend Askey said: “I know some people that are in there 30's that should not be let out the house without an adult never mind left alone.”