Homeowners in Kent are more at risk of having their house repossessed than anywhere else in the south east, a charity has warned.

Research by Shelter reveals 25,000 possession claims were made by the region's landlords and mortgage lenders last year – an average of almost 70 a day.

A quarter of those (6,400) were in Kent – around 17 a day.

possession claims: how does your area rate?

medway - 1,335
thanet - 715
maidstone - 590
swale - 510
tonbridge and malling - 415
dartford - 410
shepway - 390
tunbridge wells - 375
canterbury - 350
ashford - 345
dover - 345
sevenoaks - 265

The county also has five of the south east's 10 areas most at risk of repossession – Medway, Thanet, Gravesham, Dartford and Maidstone.

Shelter says many families are on the brink of homelessness, with a third of people struggling to meet housing costs or mortgage payments.

The charity's chief executive Campbell Robb said: "As Christmas approaches, this research paints a frightening picture of thousands of families living every day with the fear of losing their home hanging over their heads.

"It's sobering to see that so many communities are blighted by the risk of eviction.

"In these unforgiving conditions, it only takes one thing – illness, job loss or relationship breakdown – for things to spiral out of control and into homelessness.

"It's vital that anyone struggling with housing costs seeks help immediately to give them the best chance of keeping their home."