VOLUNTEERS are desperately needed to answer increasing number of telephone calls and email inquiries at Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau.

For the first time, the bureau is looking for volunteers who only want to work on the phone or via email.

"Many people get nervous meeting clients face-to-face so this sort of volunteer work would suit people who feel happier working on their own," said Bureau Operational Manager Alison Maynard.

"It would also suit volunteers who need a more flexible schedule and would struggle to fit in with the bureau's normal opening hours."

Worcester CAB already deals with around 25,000 enquiries each year from people desperate for advice on issues such as debt, housing problems, employment and many other areas.

As more people phone or email for advice, it is struggling to cope with demand.

"Our current volunteers are working hard but are run off their feet dealing with all the clients who call into the bureau," Ms Maynard.

"Too often we're simply not able to deal with phone and email enquiries at all."

If you wold like to find out more about training as a phone or email adviser, contact Ms Maynard or Rachel Leather on 01905 744592 or email training@worcestercab.cabnet.org.uk