TANTRUM teenagers like Harry Enfield's Kevin and Perry are driving Hampshire parents to seek help in such numbers that a support charity has launched an urgent appeal for new members.

Mums and dads are left so down in the dumps after Christmas that phones at helpline charity Parentline Plus have been ringing off the hook.

The charity says the majority of problems are down to teenagers such as Harry Enfield's terrible duo, immortalised on TV and in the film Kevin and Perry Go Large.

Parentline Plus runs a free confidential helpline which allows parents at the end of their tether to seek advice and help.

But stressed volunteers at the Eastleigh call centre have had to put out a Mayday themselves after being deluged by an avalanche of parents wanting help.

The numbers this year have even taken aback veteran call takers for the charity.

"Pent up stress from the start of a new term, combined with the everyday demands of parenting, can leave many people feeling depressed and isolated," said a spokeswoman for the charity.

Area manager Lorraine Tate said: "We have got at least a third more calls than normal. We are not getting a break because as soon as the phone goes down there's another one waiting.

"It is our wonderful teenagers most of the time. Parents are at the end of their tether.

"We get everything from people crying where they are very distressed, to just complete confusion on how to deal with their kids.

"A lot of it is on the back of Christmas not living up to their expectations. People think we'll start the new year with a new slate but quickly realise they have still got all the same baggage and unresolved issues."

Many parents are wrestling with rebellious teenagers who refuse to do their homework or come home on time at night. Others moan about having the wrong sort of trainers or other equipment which parents often can't afford. Youngsters making the switch from primary to secondary school are also causing their parents significant headaches.

Speaking to possible volunteers, Lorraine said there's no doubt about the importance of the work.

"It is very busy, but still extremely worthwhile. When you finish your shift, you think 'I've done good work tonight'," she said.

To contact the Parentline Plus confidential, freephone helpline, ring 0808 800 2222. To volunteer, call 023 8061 9826.

To find out more about Parentline Plus, log on to the website www.parentlineplus.org.uk