Debt has caused nearly one in four people to break up with their partners, according to a survey.

Christians Against Poverty, a debt charity, said 23% of its clients had separated from their partner over money problems.

And more than 50% who the charity has helped with debt problems said the financial strain had led to arguments with their other half's.

Some 69% admitted they had sought medical help about stress over dealing with their financial problems.

And two-thirds claimed they had missed meals so that they could make debt repayments, with 22% admitting they did so regularly.

Matt Barlow, UK chief executive of Christians Against Poverty, said: "Our latest findings are truly shocking, highlighting the trauma that many families in debt face on a day-to-day basis.

"Our results provide strong evidence that families and couples across the UK are being pushed to breaking point and beyond, with many not eating properly, taking medication and splitting up as they can no longer cope."

Meanwhile debt management group Chiltern said the average amount of debt owed by someone taking out one of its informal debt management plans had fallen below the £26,000 barrier for the first time since it began collecting statistics in August last year.

The average amount owed by a person taking out one of its plans in April was £25,945, nearly £400 less than at the start of the year, the group said.

The reduction suggested consumers were dealing with financial problems sooner, it added.

But it said the credit crunch was also making it harder for people to take on further debt, while rising living costs were putting people's incomes under increased pressure.

Nathan Gladwell, of Chiltern, said: "The current climate is encouraging more people who are struggling with their finances to seek alternative options, as credit becomes harder to get hold of.

"Add to that the rises in food, fuel and energy costs and it's no surprise that most people are feeling the pinch in their pockets."

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