Britain has always prided itself on the fairness of its courts along with the principal that you can't buy justice.

But while that may hold true for criminal cases although after a series of miscarriages of justice, particularly those of IRA suspects, this boast is somewhat tarnished when it comes to civil cases, money does talk.

And that is why the Wiltshire Law Centre, operating out of offices in Commercial Road, is so important.

Its team of nine paid advisers and 15 volunteers handle cases which private law firms are reluctant to take on, often because there is little profit in such cases.

But for the ordinary man and woman, at a time when justice is becoming increasing expensive, the Law Centre is a godsend.

It can mean the difference between keeping a roof over your head or being out on the street, in a job or on the dole.

For 20 years it has stood up for the little man, taking his side against employers, landlords and officialdom in general.

Last year alone the efforts of its advisers and staff meant that clients went home with £205,000 in compensation or benefits.

And it's not just the fact that these people would have had little or no chance of getting such redress without the Centre's help that makes it so important.

Such victories, small as they may be, restore people's confidence in the rule of law, and also hopefully mean that the powerful can always be brought to account.

But it is a sad reflection on society that more and more people are coming to the Centre for help and advice, putting an increasing strain on its already overworked staff and advisers.

It would like to expand into other areas, but has not got the money to do so, which is a pity.

For its reputation is such that even supposed opponents like the council are referring cases to it.

That is a measure of its success and the esteem it is held in. Long may it continue.