THE Citizen's Advice Bureau has helped Calne people claim £186,397 in benefits and compensation in the last 12 months.

North Wiltshire CAB's annual report published this week shows 5,994 Calne people have been helped and 5,748 questions answered.

North Wiltshire CAB manager Liz Taylor said: "Statistics are meaningless but each one of these questions has been researched thoroughly and careful, thoughtful information has been given to every inquirer.

"Often people come to the CAB as very much the last resort and contained within our statistics is a large amount of sadness, fear and anxiety for the person who asked the question."

Mrs Taylor also commented on the success of the Calne Community Credit Union, sponsored by the CAB, which has helped many people who would otherwise be unable to secure loans.

The Calne CAB office in High Street is open from 11am to 6pm on Tuesdays and 10am to 2pm on Fridays.