Otley's Citizens Advice Bureau is offering extra help throughout the coming year thanks to a new deal with the Town Council.

The council has funded previous additional advice sessions, to help residents cope with fuel bill and benefit cuts related problems, for a few months at a time.

But the new agreement with Otley CAB means the help is now available year-round, in the form of the office opening for an additional hour each Monday and Wednesday.

Councillor Kevin Cooney (Lab, West Chevin) said: "We're delighted to have the new arrangement in place.

"It fits in better with the CAB's operation and also has the advantage of being better value for us, by giving us a good deal more hours for the same money, which is great.

"The previous sessions have helped many people with first fuel poverty concerns and then, increasingly, also worries and questions about benefit cuts and debt.

"This is a great way of extending the help that is available through the year."

Otley CAB co-ordinator Ailsa Bearpark said: "We are very pleased to have the opportunity of seeing and helping our clients in the afternoon thanks to this agreement, which increases our accessibility."

The local CAB work is supported by its online service AdviceGuide, which can be viewed at adviceguide.org.uk .