THOUSANDS of families in Bolton have still not paid off debts from last Christmas.

According to new figures from The Debt Council the average family did not pay off last year's festive spending spree until June, with many still in debt.

Patricia Quinn, from Quids In Bolton Credit Union, warned that people need to make sure they enjoy Christmas without leaving themselves with a huge debt in the New Year.

She said: "If someone comes into us for a Christmas loan we make sure they can pay it back within 12 months. If they can't, they don't get the finance.

"It's true many people do fund their Christmas shopping with credit cards - which is fine - but the secret is to do your research first.

"Check interest rates on various cards so you get a better deal and don't put anything on a store card at 30 per cent APR.

"People do accept that they will be in debt for Christmas, but the majority of them are not clever about it.

"This is the time of year when banks and building societies are rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of people spending like crazy on their cards."

Most of the 2.4 million people in Britain - including an estimated 2,000 in Bolton - who have not paid for last Christmas are aged between 45 and 54.

This is because they have children to buy for as well as other family commitments.

Patricia Quinn said: "I recommend that people start to budget for Christmas back in January.

"It's probably the last thing you feel like doing, but it will pay dividends come the following December.

"A lot of people also tend to forget their everyday financial commitments when working out their Christmas budget.

"work out your incomings and outgoings for each month and, instead of leaving Christmas buying to November and December, buy presents throughout the year.

"The best time to buy Christmas cards is in the January sales when they are normally less than half price."

A spokesman for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Bolton said: "Everyone wants to enjoy Christmas but the secret is to be sensible.

"If you are in a financial muddle already, overspending at Christmas will make it much worse. Work out what you really can afford and stay within that budget."