A DEBT counselling charity is bracing itself for its busiest day of the year today (Feb 13) as lingering Christmas costs begin to tug at the purse strings.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in Saffron Walden has revealed it is the peak time for people to call in search of advice on how to tackle their debts.

Sarah Blackaby has been helping people with their finances since the Saffron Walden centre opened last year in partnership with the New Life Church.

She said: “Of all the people we have seen, there is a common thread – the people who have ignored the problems the longest face the most extreme difficulties.

“We hope that if you’re nervous about asking for help, you’ll know lots of other people are ringing us at the moment and that you’re not alone. However bad the problem looks, we can sort it out together.”

Research by the charity found the most common reason clients said they got into debt was because of problems with budgeting.

Also listed high up were unemployment and relationship breakdown.

Others said illness, bereavement and accident contributed to a downward financial spiral.

CAP helps offers free debt counselling advice for everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background. For more information, visit www.capdebthelp.org or call 0800 328 0006.