A GROUP that offers a vital service to the community is going into the New Year with a new person at the helm.

Hambleton Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) moved into new premises after converting a former doctors' surgery in Northallerton's North End a few months ago.

Now deputy manager Jean Wooler has stepped up to take the manager's role, succeeding Carol Barber, who has taken over the reins at Harrogate CAB.

Ms Wooler said the move to the new offices had meant the chance to bring together a range of community services under one roof.

The new premises are larger than the former base in South Parade, and the Housing and Resource Project, (Harp), Hambleton and Richmond Advocacy Services and Adult Placement Services all have permanent offices in the same building.

Relate and After Adoption also have facilities in the building for weekly sessions.

The Bureau's core staff provides advice on welfare benefits, employment, debt counselling and money.

There are also two full-time rural outreach workers serving Thirsk, Stokesley, Easingwold and Bedale.

The Bureau also maintains its broad-based advisory work including consumer, health and housing issues.

"This has been a major change for the bureau," said Ms Wooler. "I'm delighted we are able to facilitate the bringing together of so many community services for Hambleton and our clients."