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Millions of Britons are trapped in a cycle of debt, using their credit cards to fund Christmas purchases before they have even repaid last year’s spending, a survey claimed today.

Around one in 10 consumers - the equivalent of 4.4 million people - admit they are still repaying debt they ran up last December.

At the same time, 9% of people said it took them five months to clear their festive credit card bill, according to financial website

Chief executive, Sean Gardner, said: “Borrowing money is fine as long as you have a repayment plan.

“Unfortunately it appears millions of us do not. And with lenders getting tough, that is not a good position to be in. If you’ve not cleared the debts of Christmas past it is time to face up to the future.”

The figures are supported by ones from the Association of Business Recovery Professionals which found that one in 10 people will go further into debt in order to cover the cost of Christmas.

People planning to use credit for their festive expenses will borrow an average of £660 each, most of which will be put on credit cards, although some will be funded via overdrafts.

More than a quarter of these people plan to borrow money from friends and family members, while one in five will take out an additional loan.

Nick O’Reilly, vice-president of the association, said: “We are seeing record levels of insolvency in the UK and this is undoubtedly the result of people over-extending themselves.

“While it is tempting to spend more than you can afford, people should remember that the debt can last for years, not just for Christmas.”