CAB figures reveal that bureaux in the region dealt with 30 per cent more debt enquiries between April and March 2008-09, than the same period in 2007-08.

Lisa Colclough of the CAB said: "This rise underlines the importance of the new service which bureaux are offering to help people across the region to understand their finances and head off problem debt before it occurs."

Moneymadeclear, which has Money Guides (specially trained staff to give information on money matters) employed in North East Citizens Advice Bureaux, has already seen many people for free face-to-face interviews in its first two months, with queries on budgeting top of the list.

Citizens Advice is urging people to come forward for help before they get into financial difficulty, by contacting their local bureau who can give clear information and guidance to people on mortgages, insurance, pensions, savings and budgeting, amongst other matters.

Ms Colclough added: "The increase in people seeking help for debt problems is very worrying, but it is important people in the north east know that at their local CAB, as well as debt advice help, they can get impartial and free face-to-face guidance on budgeting and borrowing, which may be what they need to prevent them from falling into trouble in the first place."

For impartial money guidance please visit www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk or contact your local CAB.