MORE than two thirds of parents in the North-East polled for a survey say they are cutting back on spending on themselves in order to buy Christmas presents for their children.

The survey, for charity Action for Children, also found that 44 per cent regularly struggled to make their money last to the end of the month.

Two thousand parents across the UK were polled, including 90 from the North-East.

John Egan, director of children’s services at Action for Children in the North-East, said: “Parents want to give their children a magical Christmas and this places a lot of pressure on them to spend.

“When so many parents in the North already struggle to make their money last with everyday living costs, Christmas can spark a crisis of stress, bills and debt.

“Parents worried about their money situation should seek help now to prepare for Christmas and to avoid the dreaded day in January when the Christmas bills land on the mat.”

Action for Children provides access to money advice and classes at many of its 200 children’s centres in England.

For more information about its Christmas appeal for young children and to donate visit the website actionforchildren.org.uk