It is easy to overspend and end up in debt at Christmas but consumers should be careful they are able to make the repayments come January, an expert has warned.

Jim Hodgkins, managing director at CreditExpert.co.uk, made his comments in response to research by his organisation which showed 76 per cent of Britons anticipate spending the same or more this year as last.

This is despite nearly a third reporting tighter finances this year following a period of high interest rates and the effects of the credit crunch.

Mr Hodgkins warned: "A bad credit rating can make the difference between being offered credit or not, so make sure you keep on top of your credit history and ensure you can pay back any debts before you go into the red."

Last month, financial advice website Fool.co.uk warned people not to fall into the buy-now, pay-later trap this Christmas.