WEST Devon Citizens Advice Bureau has been given a cash boost to extend its opening hours.

The organisation was awarded a grant of £4,348 by Greater Dartmoor LEAF, to extend its opening hours during January, February and March 2012. This will help increase access to advice for local people affected by the downturn in the economy.

The grant, which incorporates funding from the EU, Defra and Leader, will enable the charity to increase its advising hours from its current level by eight a week across its two sites in Okehampton and Tavistock.

There will be a particular focus on helping people maximize their incomes, sort out their financial and other problems and be in a sound and stable position to take up new work, training or other opportunities should they arise.

Mandy Kenyon, who is leading the project for West Devon CAB, said: 'This grant came about through our links with the Okehampton Works initiative and we are delighted that the pooling of ideas and skills from organisations who all want to help our community has resulted in a direct, practical benefit.

'We estimate that an additional 192 people will now be helped by timely, accessible and quality assured advice, that will improve their situations.

West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau has been operating in its current form since 2003. With around 40 volunteers who train for up to a year and regularly give up their time to advise clients, the charity provides a vital service to the community in times of need.

'We are very much a local charity,' said Mandy.

'This grant has been awarded as a direct response to local demand. We hope that we will be able to find the funds to continue the project at least until the end of 2012 and I am already seeking funding partners to help us find the £13,000 we would need to achieve this.'

To contact West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau for help call 08444 111 444 or call into the Bureau at Kingdon House Tavistock on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 2pm or at The Ockment Centre, Okehampton on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm.