A SURGERY offering advice on benefits opened in Stokesley this week.

It will be held weekly at the Hambleton District Council offices in Town Close.

People can make appointments to see a benefits officer between 2pm and 4.30pm on Wednesdays.

The opening of the surgery coincides with the launch of a campaign to increase the uptake of benefits by people living in Hambleton.

The district council believes that many people still do not claim for cash they are entitled to, including people who are in work, the unemployed and pensioners.

Thousands of leaflets are being distributed around Hambleton to encourage people to check their entitlements.

Anyone wanting to make an appointment at the surgery can call 0845 1211555.