A campaigning MP fighting "unscrupulous" credit companies has revealed she was a young victim of debt.

Tracey Crouch, who represents Chatham and Aylesford, went more than double her annual salary into the red when she began living beyond her means after leaving university.

It took her seven years to clear her debts - after her bank manager cut up her credit cards in front of her.

Now Miss Crouch (pictured left) is fighting to control debt management firms that are "trapping unwary people".

She said: "People see these companies advertising on daytime television to draw your debts together and then end up paying many times their original debt. I know - I have been there."

Miss Crouch built up £15,000 of debt while earning £7,000 a year as a political assistant for a London MP after leaving university.

She said: "I was living way beyond my means. I had a lifestyle worth far more than my income. It was plain stupidity."

What saved her was a call from her bank manager.

Miss Crouch said: "He took every single credit card and store card out of my purse and cut them up in front of me. It left me in tears, but it was so liberating when it was cleared."

Miss Crouch is working with Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless and Chatham's Citizens Advice Bureau to tackle the growing number of local residents building up colossal debts.

The MPs met consumer minister Ed Davey to discuss companies which make big profits by charging hefty upfront fees. Miss Crouch said: "The number of people in debt, and the amount of money owed, is increasing in Medway and across the country. It is particularly prevalent in Chatham.

"Unscrupulous companies are taking advantage of many vulnerable people to make a quick buck for themselves.

"I am not one who naturally believes in increasing regulation, but it is clear that the current licensing system is not protecting those who need it most."

Mr Reckless said: "I would encourage anyone in Medway who feels they cannot cope with their debt to go immediately to Citizens Advice, not to companies which advertise and charge unnecessary up-front fees."