CITIZENS' Advice Bureau in Okehampton is due to commence operation of its new Adviceline hub from April 2.

A newly-trained team of ten, largely volunteers, has just completed a six-week training programme in readiness for the new service, which provides a telephone advice helpline and forms part of an extended operation being delivered within the Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens' Advice Bureau. The service has been significantly increased following a restructuring of the Adviceline service across Devon.

Volunteers in Citizens' Advice bureaux across Devon work in collaboration to try and answer as many calls from people across the county as possible. But demand is so high many people are currently unable to get through. The expansion to the service is hoped to meet the demand on the service.

Dan Burton, Adviceline supervisor, said: 'It's been a very busy preparation period, supporting the new volunteers through training and organising the facilities and equipment for the new hub, while of course maintaining our drop-in and appointment service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. But we are now all keen to get started.'

Shirley Hooton, training supervisor, said: 'We are very grateful to the time and efforts of all our volunteers. Our existing advice team plays an important part in showing trainees how things are done and sharing their tips and experience.

'Their help, combined with a comprehensive training programme, is essential in ensuring we deliver an effective service for our clients.

'It's no mean feat, as the range of enquiries and problems we deal with is so wide-ranging from benefits and debt to relationship or consumer issues.'

Okehampton CAB still needs a further four or five volunteers to join the Adviceline team and plans to commence another round of training in early April.

Other volunteer roles are also available within the bureau, which will continue to offer its drop-in and appointment-based advice service at the Ockment Centre from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Anyone interested can reach Shirley on 01837 54840 or request an application pack from [email protected]">[email protected]

The CAB provides free, impartial and confidential advice on a wide range of issues.