The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is warning people to think twice before taking out payday loans.

Epsom and Ewell CAB has said it is finding an increasing number of people are getting themselves into more debt after taking out the loans.

It said people ended up taking out an additional loan when they became desperate to pay it back, because they are so easy to obtain.

Eventually they became trapped in a circle of debt, while repayments left them with no money for basics.

Tom Sheriff, bureau manager, said people are being drawn in by tempting headlines, such as 'Cash in 10 minutes today' or 'Borrow up to £1,000 online.

He said: "Fixed fees can add to the cost and there can be high penalty charges for defaulting. There might even be charges for reminder letters.

"One payday lender was charging a representative APR of 14,348 per cent, that is more than fourteen thousand percent interest."

The CAB is advising people to ask themselves if they really need the loan before they take it out and to make sure they read the small print.

If the loan is because money is owed on a credit card, mortgage or rent they should call the creditor, landlord or lender first which could lead to an arrangement making the payday loan unnecessary.

Anyone facing difficulties with their debts can contact the CAB on 0844 4111 444 between 10am-4pm on weekdays or visit the bureau in The Old Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom.