A CITIZEN'S Advice Bureau desperately needs new volunteers or it will be forced to scale down its service.

The number of volunteers at Derwentside CAB has nearly halved in the past few months and now the organisation has issued an urgent appeal for new members.

Last year the bureau, which operates from both Stanley and Consett, dealt with more than 11,000 enquiries.

No formal qualifications are required as full training will be given.

The cost of fares for travelling to the bureau, and for training, will be reimbursed.

In January this year Derwentside CAB was awarded £137,000 from the National Lottery's Charity Board in order to provide a better service for house-bound and disabled people.

Consett CAB is open at Citizen's House from 10am to 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except for the fourth Thursday of every month.

The Stanley branch, which is at 41A Front Street, is open on Mondays from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm, Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm, Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm for telephone enquiries only, and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is asked to call Rose Duncan on (01207) 237272.