HELP and advice for people worried about Christmas debt is available through the Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) in Sedgefield and Darlington.

The message is don't let credit turn into debt and make sure you seek advice.

Towards the end of last year the CAB worked with the Office of Fair Trading to warn people not to be pressurised into borrowing too much at Christmas.

The campaign warned people of the dangers of debt and offered help to those already experiencing problems.

Steve Wakefield, funding and development manager for Sedgefield and District CAB, said: "Despite best efforts, and as always seems to happen, some of us will have still spent too much and pushed out the boat just a bit too far."

Sedgefield and District CAB now has a second money advice worker in post funded by an award of £66,458 to March 2002 through the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

This post complements the existing three-year money advice worker post established in April 2000 and funded through the National Lottery Charities Board. Through its money advice workers, the CAB can:

l Offer help that is free, non judgmental, impartial and confidential

l Offer you a helping hand throughout the process of sorting out your debts

l Provide you with qualified, dedicated and experienced staff

l Help you to prepare a financial statement

l Arrange a realistic payment scheme and send the offer to all your creditors

l Negotiate, by writing or telephoning, with your creditors on your behalf

l If things become extremely difficult help with court proceedings

l Shoulder some of the burden of debt, and restore control of your affairs, bringing peace of mind

To speak to a money advice worker call into any of the 11 Citizens' Advice Bureau sessions in the Sedgefield borough. People in Darlington wanting advice on dealing with Christmas debt can call the CAB on (01325) 380755.