YOUNG people today would rather go into the red than do without designer jeans and nights on the town.

A new survey says young people would think nothing of running up debts of more than £3,000 and accept debt as part of everyday life.

People aged between 16 and 24 think it is acceptable to have a debt of £3,130, according to research carried out for The Mortgage Lender.

The figure was nearly double the £1,712 the over-55s indicated they would be comfortable with, while across all age groups a debt of £2,940 was considered to be acceptable.

Michael Gardner, manager of Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau, said that more and more people were going in to debt.

But those in the 35 to 44 bracket were happiest to take on the highest level of debt, with people in this age group thinking it was reasonable to be £3,800 in the red. That was followed by those aged between 25 and 34, who would be comfortable owing £3,763.

"There is a big problem with credit cards," said Mr Gardner.

"They are being bombarded with offers for cheap rates but they do not read the small print.

"There is a change in attitudes in society. We are a much more materialistic society and we want things now rather than wait until we can afford them."

There is a difference between the sexes when it comes to debt, with men being more relaxed about owing money than women.

Men claiming it was all right to borrow up to £3,474, compared with women's £2,420.

People who were in debt were also less concerned about borrowing large sums than those who were not, with those who already owe money thinking it is acceptable to have debts of £4,379, compared with £2,352 among people who do not borrow.

Tim Kirby, managing director of The Mortgage Lender, said: "The recent revelations of debt levels in the UK highlight the fact that for many people debt in some form is an everyday reality.

"What is concerning, however, is young people's acceptance of debt and the amount they consider the average person can take on."

He said it was important that young people were taught to avoid debt and not just accept it as a way of life.

- RSGB questioned 2,000 people face-to-face during January.

Worcester Citizen's Advice Bureau's six top tips about debt:

1. Do not panic about debt and do not simply ignore the problem.

1. Avoid borrowing further in order to pay off existing debts.

2. Talk to the creditors. Don't just stop paying.

3. Work out which debts are your priorities. Things like mortgage, rent and council tax are the most important and do not make the mistake of paying off the creditors who shout the loudest.

4. Work out a budget that covers all of your income and essential out goings and only pay back debts at a rate that you can afford.

6. Think twice before paying for debt advice. The CAB helps many people with debt problems and its advice is free.