GEOFFREY Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, was among those taking part in the first ever Advice-a-thon at West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau in Tavistock on Monday. Specially invited VIPs attended appointments to experience how CAB advisers would deal with a selected problem. Supporters included West Devon mayor Jayne Hill and Tavistock mayor Jenny Metcalf. The dawn-to-dusk event, which started at 6.44am, launched a range of activities to celebrate Advice Week 2005. Organiser Mandy Kenyon said they hoped the event would give decision-makers and influential people an insight into the type of problems CAB clients faced every day and the level of help offered by the charity. Ms Kenyon said representatives from the main banks and utility companies had also been invited, as they often referred customers to the charity to work out a manageable way of getting themselves out of debt. BBC Money Saving expert Martin Lewis offered his support for the event, although unable to attend. The normal service to the public was maintained during the opening hours of 10.30am to 1.30pm. Other activities planned for the week include a coffee morning and a street collection in Tavistock tomorrow (Friday) and a coffee morning and 50/50 draw in Okehampton on Saturday.
