Consumer debt has risen by a worrying 10 per cent in the past year.

New figures have revealed the amount of consumer debt people living in the UK are now facing.

Consumer debt is comprised of personal loans, overdrafts, credit cards and car loans.

According to figures from UK Finance, the industry trade body, the average consumer debt per person in the UK was £603 at the end of 2016, while the average household debt was £1,441.

Northampton is the most indebted place at £749, followed by Salisbury at £739.

At the other end of the spectrum, those living in Lerwick £446 debt on average, and those in Bradford have £450 debt.

Locally, in the Southend postcode area - which also covers all postcodes starting SS - the average amount of consumer debt at the end of 2016 was £595.

This is slightly lower that the average.

In the Chelmsford postcode area - which also covers all postcodes beginning CM - the average debt at the end of 2016 was £695, above the average.

In the Colchester postcode area - starting with CO - debt at the end of 2016 stands at £604 which is broadly in line with the national average.

Dartford is one of the most indebted places in the country, with an average of £708 debt.