Actress Julie Walters has lent her support to a Bristol-based children's charity.

The veteran actress is helping to raise awareness about the work of ERIC, which raises awareness and provides support for youngsters who suffer continence problems.

ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) has enlisted the award-winning actress to help with a campaign that will be launched next month.

The charity wants to ensure hundreds of thousands of UK families who regularly have to deal with bed wetting know that support is easily available, with its Banish the Wee Horror campaign.

Award-winning actress Julie Walters said: "The fact that hardly anyone wants to talk about bed wetting just makes the problem worse.

"ERIC's helpline, 0845 370 8008, and free information leaflets, can really make a positive difference."

Charity director Jenny Perez said: "Bed wetting is one of the UK's best kept secrets, haunting up to half a million children and teenagers every night.

"Embarrassment and shame often mean the scale of the problem remains hidden and only one in three families come forward for support.

"The washing and the broken nights are bad enough. But the secrecy makes it worse for parents and young people alike. For many families, learning just how common bed wetting is can be a major relief. Often it's a first step towards talking more openly about it."

She encourages parents to use the confidential hotline for help and advice.