New Forest Citizens' Advice Bureau has celebrated news that it can keep its benefits and debt specialists for another 18 months.

A second contract has been awarded to the area by the Legal Services Commission, which means the New Forest can continue to benefit from the expertise of two extra members of staff. The scheme began a year ago with benefits expert Ann Vickers based in Hythe CAB and debt adviser Terri King in the Lymington bureau. Both have completed more than 1,000 hours meeting residents in need and saving them more than £100,000. Hythe CAB manager Peter Wales said: "The success of the scheme is due to the dedication of the whole team.

"While recognising the quality of the work put in by Ann and Terri, I also applaud the support provided by their assistants Fiona Sutton and Sandra Marsden, without whom the operation would not be so effective."

The CAB service for welfare benefit or debt issues is free to any New Forest resident.

with low income. The team can be reached via any CAB office or by phoning 023 80 84 7039.