MONEY matters will be the hot topic at West Devon Connect's regular outreach service for the month of February, when the Citizens' Advice Bureau will be joining the surgeries.

The bureau is well known for its debt and welfare benefit service. Advisors will be available to help people, in confidence, understand all the options open to them, whatever their circumstances.

Mandy Kenyon, CAB development officer, said: 'This month will give West Devon Citizens' Advice Bureau the opportunity to promote two new leaflets, 'Help yourself to More Money' and 'Help yourself to sort out Your Debts'.

'If people have more complicated problems we will also be able to refer those who qualify to more specialist services or provide contacts for more detailed self help. In addition, we will be promoting the need to improve people's financial capability. This is about being in a position to make sound financial choices, such as paying for 12 months' car tax instead of six months' and making a saving.'

Last year, West Devon Citizens' Advice Bureau was granted funding from the Big Lottery Fund enabling the charity to go out on the road, providing additional services for local residents and targeting those who may have been hit by the recession or would normally find it difficult to access the CAB service. A borough council customer service advisor will also be available to help with any council enquiries. The February surgeries are: February 2 and 16, Hatherleigh Market, 9.30am until noon; February 5, The Burrow Café, Exbourne, 10am until noon; February 9, Hope Cottage Café, Bere Alston, 10am until noon; February 12 and 26, Whiddons' Tea Rooms, Chagford, 9.30am until noon; February 17, Arundell Arms, Lifton, 9.30am until noon and February 19, Broadwoodkelly Village Hall, 10am until noon.