GROWING financial hardship has sparked unprecedented demand for a free advice service in Middlesbrough.

The Money Advice team has experienced its busiest year so far after helping negotiate debts worth more than £4 million.

Staff have more than 300 clients and handed out 143 self help packs.

They have found mortgage arrears have been one of the major factors in the increase in debt levels, with more than double the number of cases reaching the courts.

The service offers surgeries in 12 locations throughout the town and the Tuesday evening surgery at Middlesbrough Town Hall continues to be popular as it is the only out of hours advice surgery in Middlesbrough.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Community Protection, said: "Households are struggling to cope with reduced incomes, rising costs and the threat of job losses, and the consequences can be far-reaching and, in some cases, devastating.

"That's why this kind of support and impartial advice is so vital - it can mean the difference between hope and total despair."

For financial advice call 01642-728448 or email money_advice@middlesbrough.gov.uk