A debt advice service run by church parishioners has been officially launched in Bradford on Avon to help residents during the ongoing recession.

Hope Debt Advice Service, which is run by 14 volunteers from seven churches in Bradford and Trowbridge, was officially opened last Wednesday at the United Church, by new town mayor Cllr Isabel Martindale and the Rev Malcolm Duncan, of?????

Volunteer Jim Clarke, of Deverell Close, said: “We are still establishing ourselves but the people we have helped over the past few months have said what a wonderfully service it is.

“It has been set up because there is not a Citizen’s Advice Bureau in the town and there is an increasing number of people who are needing help with their debts.”

The debt advice service is open to anyone and walk-in sessions are held at United Church on a weekly basis.

As well as giving out advice, volunteers can negotiate with creditors regarding payment plans, provide debt relief orders, or even advise people on bankruptcy proceedings.

Cllr Martindale said: “The opening ceremony was brilliant. It was the first official event I had attended after being elected the previous night.

“I think it is an excellent service and will be needed by many people in the town, especially during this climate.”

The advice service is affiliated with Community Money Advice, which trained the volunteers, and Advice UK. It can be contacted on 0800 840 2298 and is open on Tuesdays from 6pm-9.30pm and Wednesdays from 9.30am-1pm.