MORE people are attending an MP's surgery after getting themselves into financial trouble through gambling.

Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis said he had seen an increase in the number of people needing help because they had gambled away money, some of which had been set aside for food.

He has spoken out after it was revealed that £2m was lost by gamblers in Barnsley.

"I've heard some terrible stories of people going hungry because money that was put aside for food has been gambled away.

"I think times are tough for people and people look for ways to divert their attention away from the every day stresses of life."

He said the problem was made worse by people then going to pay day lenders and borrowing money at an extortionate rate of interest.