VOLUNTEERS with 126 years experience between them were presented with long service awards at the annual meeting of Sedgefield and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

The 11 long-standing volunteers were presented with certificates and gifts for their years of service.

Manager Steve Wakefield said: "Nowadays this is an exceptional achievement.

"On average at any one time we need around 30 volunteers. Many come and go as their life circumstances change, but to have retained 11 volunteers for this length of time is great for the service - they are the backbone of our organisation.

"The number of changes they will have seen and adapted to in advice work provision shows their undoubted ability."

The volunteers who were honoured are: Elaine Wilkinson, seven years service; Kathy Jenkins, eight years; Bess Robertson, eight years; Brian Marshall, ten years Ken Garbutt, eight years; Harry Drake, 14 years; Pat Hudson, 12 years; Anne McKensie 29 years; Marjorie Fitzgerald, 11 years; Bernard McCourt, eight years; Joan Johnson, 11 years.

The meeting reported on the quality awards gained by the service during the year from the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau and the Legal Services Commission.

Last year the service saw a ten per cent increase in inquiry levels to 31,000, 47 per cent of which were directed towards the two money advice projects funded by the Community Fund and the Northern Rock Foundation.