It is important for consumers to use their credit cards with caution over the festive period, a financial expert has said.

Not only must people avoid the temptation to spend too heavily, but they also need to ensure they keep their details secure, noted Sarah Blaney, card fraud expert at CCP.

She explained: "Don't carry every debit and credit card with you that you possibly own.

"If you know that you are only going to be spending on one or two, then that's all you really need to take."

Ms Blaney highlighted that in the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping street it can often be difficult to keep an eye on everything.

Research from Sainsbury's Finance recently found that the nation intends to spend some £6.7 billion during the week running up to Christmas.

It discovered that 29 per cent of spending in the week will be placed on credit cards with 11 million people using cards for at least half their purchases.