Naomi Stevens, 26, was recently made redundant after her position as a veterinary nurse was no longer available at the end of her maternity leave.

Mrs Stevens and her husband Geoff, 29, a football coach, are now struggling with £45,000 worth of unsecured debt after taking out loans and credit cards to cover the cost of their wedding, mortgage and children aged 2 and 9 months.

Mrs Stevens said: “Geoff is trying to take on more work in the evenings and I have an interview on Friday - but even when I do go back to work most of my earnings will be swallowed up in childcare costs.

“We are never extravagant, but everyday living expenses are just too high - nappies, bills, petrol - it all adds up.

“My car broke down the other day and it cost £1,800 to get it fixed.”

The Stevenses are now considering selling their house to pay off a chunk of the debt, and have a valuer coming round tomorrow.

“I know house prices are falling and now is not the best time to sell - but as we do have some equity in the property, I don’t know what other choice we have. We will just have to rent or move in with our parents,” she said.

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