The number of people applying to borrow money in the west of Scotland has increased by almost half, according to new figures.

The Scotwest Credit Union has loaned more than £7 million since January 2011.

This is an increase of 42% for the same period last year and shows that more than 200,000 Scots have taken out a payday loan in the past year.

Scotwest chief executive Rod Ashley said: "We live in a culture where spending outwith our means has become the norm and people are living beyond their monthly salary, which can be very dangerous.

"It is easy for people to fall into debt by using credit cards or spending money that they just don't have.

"Many end up taking out a loan with incredibly high interest rates, which only makes things worse in the long run when they have to find larger sums to repay the loan than they initially intended.

"We offer a safe, competitive and ethical way to borrow, focusing on our members and their needs."

Scotwest also offers current and savings accounts. Visit www.scotwest.co.uk or call 0845 634 7634.