ChildLine’s south-east branch is reminding youngsters help is only a phone call away as exam pressures mount up.

The service, which offers support to under 18s, said its London base handled hundreds of counselling sessions about exam anxiety last year alone.

The organisation's regional service manager Helen Beattie said the period can be a very stressful time and can have worrying effects.

She explained: "The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people.

“We hear from lots of young people each year who are worried or panicking about their exams and revision.

“This can affect them in a variety of ways and can leave them unable to eat, sleep or function normally.”

ChildLine is offering the following advice for young people to overcome pre-exam nerves and help them if they have any concerns:

• Make sure you take regular breaks from revising and do some exercise.

• Go to bed at a reasonable time and try and get some sleep.

• Getting a good night’s sleep will help you much more than trying to revise all night – you will just end up very tired the next day.

• Try to think positively – even if you don’t feel like it, a positive attitude will help you during your revision.

• Take some water into the test with you, if you can. Keeping hydrated by drinking water will help you concentrate.