DARWEN people made good use of their credit union over the Christmas period, and membership in the New Year is on the increase.

The chairman of Darwen Tower Credit Union, Janice Parker, said: "We are still compiling the figures but we certainly had an increased amount of lending over the Christmas period."

The credit union, on The Circus, has been in operation in the town for six years and so far has 300 members.

It is open to anyone living in the Darwen area. Mrs Parker said: "The low interest loans and the fact that members also save with us means that they benefit from using us.

"Certainly in the run-up to Christmas,membership increased and so did the amount of money we lent out."

She added that after Christmas, people had also joined the credit union after hearing about it from other people.

The non-profit making Savings and Loans Co-operative helps people achieve financial independence through regular savings and access to low-cost, affordable loans.

Mrs Parker said they would also be pleased to welcome volunteers who would like to help out at the centre.

Full training would be provided. Volunteers carry out a range of duties such as working in the office and dealing with collections.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering should contact Janice on 776611.

The centre opens on Monday and Wednesday between 10am and 1.30pm and on Friday between 10am and 4.30pm.