The appalling 29.9% APR interest Bright House charges on items it sells on credit -'No Credit Checks' might make you think that this shop next door to Party 'R' Us is in the credit business, not engaged in retailing the Beko washing machines, the sofas and the plasma screen wannabe items that fill the showroom. In the appropriate season they were promoting a 'Brighter Christmas' where people pay weekly and there are no credit checks.

There is much more than these adverts than wishing people a Happy Christmas, if one can have such a thing at 29.9% interest. There is 'insurance'. By adding 'Optional Service Insurance' to the costs of doing business with them, Bright House can turn a sale of a £302.35 dishwasher, made over 110 weeks of payments, add up to a total cost of £603.90.

People who choose to place their personal finances in such serious jeopardy for so little reward, are, according to this business's marketing strategists, willing to do so for such trivial inducements as the chance to win tickets to Disneyland. Maybe they are.

There is, however, nothing that reminds me of Snow White or Father Christmas about this business's approach to its combined credit and insurance offer.

Please seek independent legal and financial advice and join a credit union if times are tight.