WEST Devon's Citizens' Advice Bureau marked Volunteers' Week by celebrating the invaluable work of the 120 volunteers who help people across Torridge, North Devon, Mid Devon and West Devon areas to solve the problems in their lives and get back on their feet.

Volunteers' Week is an annual event celebrating the contribution made by millions across the UK. This year it took place from June 1 to 7.

The Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon (TNMWD) CAB offers free impartial advice from eleven offices. Each year, the team helps more than 14,000 with close to 33,000 problems.

With more than 120 volunteers giving up their time to offer support and advice to the community, TNMWD is taking the time to say thank you to its volunteers.

As the backbone of the service volunteers perform all sorts of roles from advising to administration, IT support, policy and research officers and trusteeships.

Vicki Rowe, chief executive of TNMWD Citizens' Advice, said: 'We want a say a huge thank you to our dedicated army of volunteers, they are the beating heart of the organisation.

'Volunteers not only give a lot but get a lot back from the work they do with us. It's a great way to make friends, build on your work experience and learn new skills.

'Our volunteers are vital to the way we deliver our service, we really could not help all the local people we do without them.

'All our volunteers work tirelessly to support members of the public on everything from debt and employment to the continually changing benefit system and housing.'

Citizens' Advice found that nine in ten volunteers gain knowledge of local issues and felt more engaged with their community, nine in ten feeling better equipped and empowered to deal with issues in their lives, with four in five also helping friends and families and nearly a third of volunteers who leave Citizens' Advice go on into paid employment or full time education.

To find out more about the work of the CAB in Okehampton visit the Ockment Centre or email [email protected]">[email protected]