PEOPLE in debt after the Christmas spending spree are being urged to get quality advice.

Trading standards inspectors believe that some consumers have been misled by firms which failed to give them legally required information.

A regional survey found that more than a quarter of 700 adverts they checked were incorrect.

For example, one advert stated "0% Finance" but still included a charge for providing credit. Other instances included failure to include a typical example to show the true cost of credit and to include the APR, which determines how much interest is payable on the loan.

Councillor Pam Walker, Bury's public protection spokesman, said: "Consumers need to think long and hard before signing on the dotted line. Buying on credit is often a long-term commitment which should not be rushed into. Very soon the demands for repayments begin to come through the letterbox.

"The huge variation in credit arrangements and APR means that the only way to be sure of getting the best deal is to shop around and make sure the information on repayments is clear, concise and the company has proven credentials."

She urged people to read forms thoroughly before signing, compare interest rates, watch out for added broker's fees and extras such as protection insurance.

Free help on debt issues can be obtained from:

Bury council's trading standards on 253 5578, the website, www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Bureaux and independent advice agencies through the Federation of Information and Advice Centres (FIAC) on 020 7489 1800.

The National Debtline, which has a 24-hour answering service on 0808 808 4000, Consumer Credit Counselling Service on 0800-138-1111 or Direct Debt Line on 01323-481111.