HARDWORKING volunteers have been hailed for their efforts this week with some receiving the royal seal of approval.

Princess Anne has thanked volunteers who give up their spare time to work at the Citizens Advice Bureaux in Wiltshire.

The Princess Royal sent a letter to the bureaux in west and north Wiltshire to mark National Volunteers Week.

She said: "As patron of Citizens Advice, I visit many Citizens Advice Bureaux and I am always impressed by the services they provide, often with very limited resources.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers at all Citizens Advice Bureaux for their dedication and commitment to the community."

The CAB in west Wiltshire has dealt with over 8,000 inquiries since it was launched in May last year, after being closed since August 2000 because of funding problems.

Volunteers help people deal with all sorts of problems, including debt management and helping people through employment and benefit tribunals.

The service relies on volunteers to keep going and it is hoped that more will come forward in west Wiltshire to allow the service to expand.

Manager Sarah Cardy said: "We rely totally on our volunteers and wouldn't be able to run a service at all without them.

"Some have been with us for many years and their knowledge and experience is quite invaluable.

"I would also to take this opportunity to thank them all for all their efforts."

To show their appreciation the CAB is holding a treasure hunt around Trowbridge, ending in a party at the bureau.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer in west Wiltshire contact Kirsty Field on (01225) 781941. In north Wiltshire contact Liz Taylor on (01249) 443054.