Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a national charity with headquarters and two centres in Bradford, had 105 people in the district contact it for debt help last year, an increase on the 75 in 2012.

Part of the reason was the opening of its new Bradford Family Church in autumn 2012, allowing it to reach more people.

CAP's head office in North Street supports 239 church-based debt centres across the UK and has received 52 per cent more calls to its national helpline so far in 2014.

A spokesman said: “Many of those calling are very desperate, you can hear it in their voice. Our best advice is to get free debt help from a not-for-profit agency. Whether that is with CAP, Citizens Advice, Stepchange, Payplan or National Debtline – the important thing is to do something and not bury the problem. Debt is really hard to escape on your own.”