AN advice service which has been struggling to help people deal with cash problems has been awarded funding to sign on a debt specialist.

Once the full-time official is appointed by the Teesdale Citizens Advice Bureau, in Barnard Castle, they will concentrate on assisting those who are unable to pay their bills.

Funding from the Department of Trade and Industry will cover 18 months.

Councillor John Hinchcliffe, chairman of the bureau's trustees, said: "This must be excellent for many residents in this area who are seriously worried about their debts."

The new caseworker is due to start at the end of July.