BURY District Citizens Advice Bureau, which helps thousands of local people every year, is appealing for volunteers.

The call will be going out during the fourth national Advice Week from September 3-10.

And the week will also allow the CAB to highlight the work they do in the town as well as Radcliffe and Prestwich.

A national volunteer recruitment line has been launched on 08451 264 264 and local CAB workers are hoping it will help them net more badly needed helpers.

The Bury District recruitment manager, Penny Blight, said: "The focus for Advice Week 2002 is 'help at the heart of your community' and we are hoping that local people will step forward to do just that.

"All you need are a minimum of six hours to spare each week, a willingness to train and an ability to work well in a team."

Anyone who is interested can contact Penny at the bureau on 798 1616 or call the national recruitment line.

The CAB certificate in generalist advice work gives volunteers the skills necessary to provide the right advice on any subject. Trainees are supported all the way and regular reviews help them develop their skills.

Formal qualifications are not needed and many find the accredited CAB training and experience can help to provide a route into paid work.

CAB is also keen for people to act as trustee board members, to help with IT work, social policy work or with general administrative support.

Each year, the CAB service handles more than 6.1 million inquiries offering practical advice and help to people across the country.

Bury District CAB helped more than 10,000 people last year. The District bureaux are based at 7 Fairfax Road, Prestwich, with a telephone service in Bury on 0845 10 3757.

Callers can drop in from 10am to 3pm at Prestwich on Wednesdays and at Radcliffe on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments can be made at various locations outside these hours.