HAMPSHIRE residents are being warned to keep tabs on their spending in the run-up to Christmas.

Southampton trading standards is issuing advice as part of National Consumer Week, which ends today.

It is urging shoppers to look closely at firms which offer interest-free credit before making final decisions.

Trading standards officers recently carried out a survey in the city to see how effectively sales staff in shops explained interest-free deals on offer.

Sixteen had schemes which involved customers paying no interest charges if the total cost of items was paid by a certain date - otherwise high costs were incurred.

Trading standards officer Clive Robinson said: "It was pleasing the fact that all the retailers were able to provide an explanation on request of what the credit details were.

"But a number of them did need prompting. The message we gained from this is that consumers do have to ask questions, particularly about interest-free credit."

Mr Robinson said highlighting debt problem-up to the festive period.

He was among trading standards officers and city councillors who gathered at the Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, Weston, Southampton, this week to offer advice.

"People do tend to borrow more money at this time of year and it's important people realise the total cost of what they are borrowing," said Mr Robinson.

"If people do have problems with being able to pay money off, they should talk to the lenders first."

He added that debt advice was also available from the Citizens Advice Bureau and the national debt helpline on 0808 808 4000.