Nearly half of all UK adults would leave it up to three years before seeking professional help if they were in debt, according to new research.

A survey of 1,000 people by insolvency practice, Creditfix, found that 59% would wait two years before asking for help and 48% would wait more than three years.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) said they would feel uncomfortable talking about debt with a stranger, making it difficult to seek professional help if they found themselves in a difficult situation.

Almost one in three (31%) said they would be too embarrassed to talk to anyone at all about their financial problems, including friends and family.

Taylor Flynn, marketing manager at Creditfix, said: "The research just shows how common it is for Britons to be reluctant to seek help with debt. There are various reasons for this - a worrying number of people believe they can handle the debt themselves, while many are too embarrassed to discuss the debt. What people might not realise is that debt issues can be solved by seeking help and advice at the earliest opportunity, and can prevent embarrassment or further stress."