THANK YOU for offering our citizens a crucial lifeline.

That's the message the Mayor of Halton, Cllr Peter Lloyd Jones gave big-hearted Citizens Advice Bureau volunteers this week.

"Your commitment and dedication to getting your knowledge right is vital because for many people, you are the first point of contact to solve their problems," Cllr Peter Lloyd Jones, told volunteers at a special reception.

"We rely on you to give us the right advice. Halton needs more people like you."

The demand for free, independent legal advice in Widnes and Runcorn is greater than ever, Halton CAB's annual report reveals.

A staggering 14,000 requests for advice were made last year with debt being the biggest worry for local people.

CAB volunteers tackled complex debt problems faced by 240 households, who, between them, owed more than £6.3m.

There is now a desperate need to find more people willing to join CAB's team.

Retired Navy sailor Roy Fisher has been a CAB volunteer for five years, despite having a leg amputated.

He said: "It's really satisfying knowing I've helped someone with their problem and I'm always learning something new about our rights."

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to be a volunteer, just a desire to help others.

Many volunteers gain so much valuable experience, they often find full-time jobs, leaving gaps for more people to join the CAB team. Call 0151-257 2443 for more details.