A DEBT advice service has been bailed out after running into financial difficulties.

The free service offered by Richmondshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) faced an uncertain future, with funding due to run out at the end of the month.

But Richmondshire District Council has now stepped in with a £16,000 grant to secure the service for another 12 months.

"It is a vital service, which has helped many people within a relatively short space of time," said Councillor Wendy Morton, chairwoman of the district council's resources committee.

"We felt it was important to safeguard the debt advice service for the benefit of the residents throughout the district."

CAB manager Angie House welcomed the help.

"Now that the future is assured, I will be working to secure funding from other sources to extend the service even further," she said.

"Ultimately, our aim is to provide help and advice in order to prevent people from falling into debt, and not just help resolve the problems that it brings."

Plans for the expansion of the service include providing debt advice surgeries at Leyburn, Hawes, Reeth and Colburn.

This is in addition to the established surgeries in Richmond.

"Debt is a very sensitive issue," said CAB debt advice worker Janet Menzies. "People are often embarrassed.

"Once people have taken that first step and asked for advice, we are able to assess the debt they have built up, look at what has caused it, how they can maximise their income and prioritise repayments."