EAST Lancashire MPs Nigel Evans and Kitty Ussher have waded into the row over TV brainbox Carol Vorderman advertising debt consolidation loans.

The Ribble Valley Tory and his Burnley Labour rival have joined forces to condemn the Countdown presenter for promoting First Plus consolidation loans.

It comes after debt charities and a money website launched an online petition appealing to Ms Vorderman to stop endorsing the secured loans.

The East Lancashire politicians have signed a Commons motion deploring the use of celebrities to endorse such financial products.

Consumer groups have said the use of TV and sports stars to promote these loans can encourage people who should not use them to take them out putting their houses at risk of possession.

But it is Ms Vorderman who has sparked the most concern as she is associated with financial expertise and intellectual ability because of her role on TV shows Countdown and Tomorrow's World.

Consumer groups have warned such loans should only be used as a last resort.

Mr Evans and Mrs Ussher are among 28 MPs of all parties to back a Parliamentary motion protesting at such celebrity endorsement of secured consolidation loans and demanding new safeguards over such adverts.

The Early Day Motion reads: "We are concerned about rising levels of secured debt, due in part to celebrity endorsement of such products, particularly from individuals who are well known for their mathematical skills which gives the impression that such products are financially safe.

"We note that failing to repay secured loans can result in losing one's home or leave people locked into long-term debts which means the overall interest cost is substantially increased."

"We further note that rates from secured debt companies are often higher than unsecured loans from high street lenders and much higher than re-mortgages which is one of the viable alternatives.

"We believe that secured debt companies should take up a charter of responsible advertising that only targets those limited niche individuals who would actively benefit from secured debt."

First Plus said the company would not be deterred from using Ms Vorderman.

A spokesman said: "First Plus is an entirely reputable company and we stand by our use of Carol.

"The vast majority of FirstPlus customers experience no problems."