With one of the world's most famous tennis tournaments getting underway this week, an increasing number of Britons may be looking to emulate the likes of Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal and Daniela Hantuchova.

Consumers view improving drainage systems throughout the UK as the first priority in an effort to reduce the risk of flooding around the country, according to new research.

Many Britons are forced to rely on credit and loans to meet the costs of basic areas of household maintenance, a new study from Alliance & Leicester has found.

UK residents over the age of 55 are being hit hardest by the rises in living costs and the tightening in consumer credit markets, Skipton Building Society has found.

A new stunt designed to illustrate the extent of many Briton's unwillingness to improve their financial situation has shown very few consumers on the streets of London and Manchester were willing to capitalise on the offer of a free five pound note.

Although Hull City fans may well still be jubilant about their triumph over Bristol City in the Championship play-off finals last weekend, they could find that seeing their team play in the country's finest division may come at a premium, it has been suggested.

With the costs of basic household expenditure spiralling, it has been suggested that a growing number of Britons are turning to payday loans to cover their monthly financial costs.

Mind, the UK mental health charity, has suggested that lenders need to act in a responsible manner when dealing with people who have problematic debts.

Those consumers who are concerned about managing their money in a time of increased economic strain should consider investigating ways in which they can lessen the burden they are under, it has been suggested.

The current financial climate is causing concern for more than just the nation's adults, according to new research.