A debt counselling service is urging people to "do Christmas without credit" to remain in the black in the run up to the festive season.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a charity providing debt counselling, is calling on the people of St Albans to stay in the black in the run up to Christmas, try to save money and not use their credit cards when buy gifts, food and decorations.

CAP debt centre manager, Rachel Martin, runs the St Albans branch of the charity, which sees trained debt counsellors visiting the clients to help with paperwork, create budgets or teach courses on how to manage money.

Ms Martin said: "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.

"Of course, we’re missing a trick if we think Christmas is only about spending money. Memories are not about which label we buy, they are made by spending time together with family and friends.

"Once you’ve started to prepare, you can get that perspective instead of the usual last minute panic that can result in credit and the worry that follows

She added that saving £5 per week now will give £75 to spend on presents and food,and is urging people to use the 95 days before Christmas to plan their spending.

Before getting into contact with CAP, 67 percent of its clients skipped meals, 38 percent considered or attempted suicide and 68 percent of parents were unable to look after their children, while average debt of new clinets was around £14,298, which almost match the average client's household income.

Contact 0800 328 0006 if you are struggling with debt and would like to speak to CAP, whose services are available regardless of age, gender, faith or background.