RURAL outreach services run by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) have been cut because of a lack of funding.

The Hambleton Bureau had been holding weekly outreach sessions in Thirsk, Stokesley and Bedale, but during this month and next, the sessions will be held only once a month. The bureau receives core funding from the district and county councils, but receives nothing from the Government.

Staff are forced to find alternative funding to pay for their rural outreach services, but money from the Community Fund, Lloyds TSB and Nationwide has run out and according to CAB manager, Jean Wooler, they have exhausted all their possible funding options.

She said: "Last year, we passed all our quality of advice audits, but we can't even get the money to travel to Thirsk, Stokesley and Bedale.

"At the moment there really are not any funders that we can go to. It is looking very bleak."

Angela House, manager of the Richmondshire CAB, said they had been in a similar position only a few months ago, but were now hopeful of securing funding until March next year.

"We get a lot of support from the district council but we spend all our time scratching about looking for money and we are not able to give employment security to our staff," she said.

The Hambleton bureau will now hold sessions on the following dates: Thirsk Town Hall, next Monday and September 20; Community Care, in Stokesley, on Friday and September 10; and The Clinic, in Bedale, on August 24 and September 21.

Anyone requiring more information can call the advice line on (01609) 770309.