ADVICE on all matters — from benefits and employment to health, bills and discriminaion — is available at Okehampton's Citizens Advice bureau.

Following the redundancies at PoleStar Foods, the charity has enhanced its services, offering longer hours and meeting staff at the factory to make the service more accessible.

Barbara Osborne, bureau manager at West Devon CAB said: 'We want people to come and see us for advice. Don't be afraid or intimidated, we can help. Our volunteers are pulling out all the stops to make sure advice is available to those who need it.

'Many of the former workers from PoleStar will be struggling financially, but there are packages available to help them in certain circumstances. However, the help available is very family-specific, there is no blanket solution, so people need to come and see us for advice.

'People have been asking about immediate help, but you also need to think about tomorrow, next week, next month, and so on. The message we want people to hear is that we will be here over the coming months, whenever they need advice and help.'

Mandy Kenyon, development officer at West Devon CAB said: 'In this situation, one of the most important pieces of advice we can give is for people to communicate with creditors — mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and anyone else you have agreements with — to let them know what has happened.'

The Okehampton bureau is open between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Advice is also available in Tavistock on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

To arrange an appointment at the CAB, contact 01837 52574. Advice is available over the telephone or in person at the Ockment Centre, but appointments are necessary. Advice is also available at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk">www.adviceguide.org.uk