THE Citizens Advice Bureau in West Devon has just four places left on its volunteer adviser training course, starting in January.

The course, which covers diagnostic interviewing and an introduction to the many areas covered by Citizens Advice, is free and takes 16 weeks to complete.

It will be delivered at the Ockment Centre, Okehampton. Following this period, trainees will form part of the bureau rotas, whilst continuing to build experience and help clients face to face and on the telephone.

Mandy Kenyon, development officer for the bureau, said: 'The course is absolutely fascinating and many people enjoy learning skills that are going to help them contribute to their community and enhance their CV.

'We do ask a lot of our volunteers in terms of a regular and reliable commitment, and most of our team give us a regular day each week that helps our charity to deliver a professional service.'

The CAB has a three stage recruitment process, beginning with an informal chat, and application form and then a more formal interview.

'These three stages help us to give volunteers as much information as possible about what its like to volunteer at the CAB and the commitment involved,' said Mandy.

'Some prospective volunteers think that they need to remember a lot of detailed information where as in fact much of the training is about learning where to find answers.'

For further information about volunteering at the CAB log onto the website http://www.westdevoncab.org.uk">www.westdevoncab.org.uk or email [email protected]">[email protected]