DURHAM'S Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has launched an appeal for volunteers to join its team of advisors.

The free service, established in the city in 1939, provides advice, information and support on a range of issues such as debt, benefits and housing problems.

The bureau, based in Millennium Place, Claypath, next to Clayport Library, has 15 trained volunteers and nine people undergoing training.

CAB manager Colin Thompson said: "We have lost a few volunteers who have mainly gone off to jobs or moved from the area.

"Ideally, we would like to have five advisors present every day we are open."

Mr Thompson said his team came from a range of backgrounds and ages and many had been at the bureau for more than ten years.

He said advisors could give general advice or specialise in a particular area. No experience is necessary.

He said volunteering at the bureau could also help the job prospects of people wanting to return to work.

He said: "The training we offer is nationally recognised as being good and is accredited. If you are trying to get back in the market, employers like to see you have done something like this.

"In one year, we had eight people who had joined us, trained and then moved on to paid work."

Anyone interested is asked to call the bureau's appointment line on 0191-383 2885, leave their name, address and telephone number. They will be contacted to arrange a meeting.

The bureau can also be contacted by e-mail at durham cab.cabnet.org.uk