A free local debt counselling service is calling on Fenland people to save ahead of Christmas.

The warning comes from Sue Bradshaw, Fenland Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre manager.

Run by the Centenary Baptist Church in March and Wisbech Baptist Church, the debt centre opened nearly nine years ago and has helped more than 160 people.

Sue said: “With personal borrowing on the rise, we are warning people to plan what they are going to spend this Christmas and save as much as they can. This way, they can enjoy a Christmas without credit.

“Every year we see people whose finances were already fragile but too much Christmas spending pushed them over the edge. It doesn’t have to be that way if you start early. Just saving £5 per week now will give you £75 to spend on presents and food.

“All our debt clients are visited in their home by members of the local CAP centre who explain the service face-to-face and collect their paperwork. “If you are struggling to pay the bills, and you’re being chased for money you don’t have, please let us help you. One phone call could be the difference between a merry Christmas and a miserable one.”

Call 01354 651615 or visit www.capuk.org for more info.