THERE will be some point in our lives when we need to seek the advice and support of others.

And whether it's to deal with money, legal or welfare problems or even family matters and consumer affairs, Vale Royal Citizens Advice Bureaux can usually provide a helping hand.

In the past year alone the centre has handled debts for local people totalling over £1 million and secured compensation claims worth more than £100,000.

But the kind-hearted people who provide free, confidential and impartial advice on every subject under the sun can often be taken for granted.

As part of Advice Week 2000, Vale Royal CAB, based in High Street, Winsford, is urging people to discover more about becoming a volunteer.

Volunteer development officer, Roy Noon, said: "About 90 per cent of the people who work for the CAB are volunteers, we would not be able to serve the community without them.

"People can come and talk about anything, but we need qualified advisors here in a voluntary capacity because of the complexity of problems we have to deal with."

About 20 volunteers currently provide a minimum of six hours each week at the centre, set up in 1939.

And 76-year-old Freda Robson is just one volunteer who has given up her spare time. Freda, of Long Lane South, Middlewich, has spent more than 21 years as a voluntary advisor at the centre and was presented with a special certificate to mark her service to the CAB.

"I have given advice to people with every kind of problem from benefits and debts to marriage affairs over the years," she said.

"But I have got a great deal out of it myself and really enjoyed every moment I have been here."

Paul Nicholls, district manager based in the Northwich branch of Vale Royal CAB, added: "To come in week after week for more than 20 years entirely on a voluntary basis, simply because Freda wanted to contribute something to the local community, is representative of the kind of people we have at the Citizens Advice Bureaux - I hope she will be here for many more years."

Ring 555900 for volunteer details or the helpline on 594497.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.