OUTSPOKEN clergyman the Right Reverend David Jenkins, the former Bishop of Durham, has been invited to perform the opening ceremony when a Citizen's Advice Bureau is launched next weekend.

Dr Jenkins has been a patron of the Friends of Hambleton CAB, in North Yorkshire, since 1998, and a supporter of its work in the community, particularly in the fields of debt counselling and welfare benefits advice.

The new offices overlooking the green at Northallerton's North End replace the old premises on the town's South Parade.

A Community Fund grant helped cover the cost of the old Mowbray House doctor's surgery, which will also include space for the Hambleton and Richmond Advocacy Service, the Housing Advice Resource Project, After Adoption, Relate and the Adult Placement scheme.

There is also space available for other voluntary agencies which may wish to rent rooms.

The ceremony takes place next Saturday morning.

Hambleton CAB chairwoman Jane Harvey said: "We owe a huge debt of thanks to everyone here who makes sure the people of Hambleton get good, accurate advice free of charge, impartially and confidentially, when they need it most."