Some residents of Salisbury have been suffering the "horrifying emotional cost of debt", a charity believes.

Christians Against Poverty told local newspaper the Salisbury Journal that more than 40 per cent of people from the town who have approached the charity for debt help have admitted feeling suicidal over their money worries.

Andy Eyre, manager of the local centre, told the newspaper there are a lot of people experiencing depression over the issue.

"People are not even going out of their homes, but living behind closed curtains," he warned, adding that many people left it until the last minute to approach the organisation for help.

Recent research conducted by financial advice website MoneyExpert.com showed that nationally, one in three Britons who owe cash are worried about their ability to repay it.

Sean Gardner, chief executive of the site, warned that people who are worried about their ability to manage need to take action as soon as possible.