Homeowners in Canterbury are bearing the biggest burden in the repossession squeeze.

The district has seen a 20 per cent increase in court orders compared to last year - the highest rise in the county.

Bigger bills, tougher mortgage rates, and food and fuel price hikes are placing immense pressure on cash-strapped families.

Some homeowners are having to hand in their keys as they struggle to keep afloat.

Figures from the Ministry of Justice for the first quarter of 2008 show the number of mortgage possession claims issued by lenders, and subsequent county court orders for action, has risen overall.

In Canterbury, 159 mortgage possession claims were issued by lenders, which resulted in 116 court orders being made – a 20 per cent increase on the previous year.

Claims were up 15 per cent to 144 in Maidstone, 14 per cent to 120 in Thanet and up four per cent to 387 in Medway.

So far this year, the Citizens Advice Bureau CAB has dealt with 35 per cent more inquiries nationally about mortgage arrears compared to the same time in 2007.