OKEHAMPTON'S Citizens' Advice Service is embarking on a major recruitment campaign to triple the size of its volunteer team, answering calls from the public through its telephone helpline.

Dan Burton, Adviceline supervisor at Okehampton's CAB, said the bureau urgently needed to recruit around 15 volunteers for Adviceline, in order to meet the high volume of calls received from people seeking information or advice on their problems.

Volunteers in Citizens' Advice bureaux across Devon work in collaboration to try and answer as many calls from people across the county as possible. But demand is so high many people are unable to get through.

Ruth Kingdom, bureau manager, said: 'We don't like to think of anyone who needs advice being unable to reach us. While we have bureaux in both Okehampton and Tavistock, for many people in rural West Devon the telephone is a more convenient means of seeking advice.

'They may live in outlying villages, struggle to afford transport, perhaps have limited mobility, or simply be in full-time work and so have no free time to call in in person.

'We are investing in more phone lines and equipment, and recruiting and training many more volunteers so that we can offer a much better service by phone.'

Shirley Hooton, the local CAB training supervisor, said: 'Volunteers for the role do not need experience. Anyone who has a clear telephone manner, enjoys using the computer and the internet and has reasonable written English can help.

'We provide full training and it's a great way to learn new skills, meet people and even get some valuable work experience.'

Charlotte Bond joined the volunteer team in Okehampton earlier this year and now spends most of her time taking calls on Adviceline.

She said: 'I really enjoy it. People call needing help with such a huge mix of issues. You learn something new every time.

'There is a great team spirit and we always have the support of our supervisor when more tricky things come up.

'It's really good knowing how many people you help each day.'

The volunteer opportunities are to cover one or two mornings a week from 9.30am to noon.

The training programme will commence in January. An open morning is being held in Okehampton Citizens' Advice Bureau in the Ockment Centre on Thursday, December 11 between 10am and noon.

People are invited to drop in to find out more about the Adviceline role and the work of Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Alternatively anyone interested in applying can simply phone 01837 658209 ext 200 to request an application pack.

The expansion of the Okehampton Adviceline service is being funded through Advice West Devon, a partnership project involving seven local organisations and funded by the National Lottery.