AN advice service has been boosted by almost £96,000 to help it meet costs.

Easington District Council has agreed to donate £95,849 to Easington and District Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for the current financial year.

Along with funding from other sources, such as the Northern Rock Foundation, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, parish councils and the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, the sum will help the organisation to continue offering vital help.

Based at Yoden Way, Peterlee, County Durham, it provides confidential advice free to anyone who needs it.

Staffed mainly by volunteers, the service covers areas such as welfare rights, debt, employment, housing, taxes and consumer problems. Other aspects of the bureau's work, such as benefit appeals and administration, are dealt with at nearby Lee House.