X Factor winner Sam Bailey has revealed how a run-in with a web "troll" on social media led to her being contacted by social services.

The former prison officer, who was crowned winner of the ITV talent show last year, said a woman reported her to the local authorities after seeing a picture posted on Facebook of the star, who recently gave birth to her third child, Miley.

She told the Daily Mirror: "I posted a photo of me in a nightclub when I was pregnant with Miley, pulling a silly face with mates. She took that as I was absolutely steaming drunk.

"Next thing I know, she had reported me to social services. I actually got a call from them, asking me about emotionally harming my children. The school had to get involved. It was awful.

"I had to take a photo of the woman into the school because I was concerned she would go there and pick my kids up. I was petrified."

Police contacted the "troll" and the situation was resolved but Sam is backing last week's announcement of tougher sentencing for online abusers.

"I've had abuse - I get it all the time. They need to clamp down on it ," she added.

Internet trolls are to face up to two years in jail under tough new laws proposed by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

The previous maximum term of six months will be quadrupled under the plan to tackle the "cowards" who post abusive comments online.

Last month the singer, 37, said the success of winning the ITV singing show meant she could afford to have a third child along with nine-year-old daughter Brooke and five-year-old Tommy.