VOLUNTEERS advisers, staff and trustees of West Somerset Advice Bureau met last week to celebrate receiving a county council Chairman’s Award.

The occasion gave the charity a chance to thank the local councillors who nominated it for the award.

As previously reported, the charity was presented with an award and certificate last month by county council chairman Cllr Christine Lawrence - trustees’ chairman Barbara Middleton and volunteer adviser Laura Barrowclough attended the award ceremony in Taunton.

“We were so delighted and proud to receive this award in recognition of the vital free help that’s provided to local people by our trained volunteers and staff here,” said Barbara.

“It’s quality advice, done on a shoestring from a cramped building, but it sorts out the lives of thousands.”

Last year the volunteers and staff of the service delivered advice to over 3,500 households from nearly every parish in the area and gained over £742,057 in increased income for families to spend in the local economy.

With a successful money management service funded by Comic Relief, the service continues to meet the needs of people in crisis, as well as those who are planning ahead, ensuring they have the information they need to make and take everyday decisions.