Axminster Town Council has granted more than £2,400 to Citizens Advice East Devon, saying their application to continue supporting local residents was "very compelling".

The council unanimously agreed to grant the service £2,422.20 after Citizens Advice applied for funding which will help it continue to run outreach services at Pippins Community Centre in Axminster.

The Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, said the application was "very compelling", with latest figures showing that Citizens Advice had helped 209 residents last year, 78 of which in connection to benefits, and for each of these people they assisted in finding an average of £1,000 extra in benefits available to them.

Cllr Jeremy Walden added: "They are a vital vital part of this society and of this town and people in this town really require their help.As you said, it is very compelling."

Citizens Advice can be accessed via Axminster Job Club on Thursday mornings, 9am to 12noon, at Pippins and the friendly Job Club team will be able to offer you a private space with a trained adviser. a telephone or screen for a video call.

Citizens Advice provides free, impartial and confidential advice and information on a range of issues, including entitlement to benefits, employment, housing, and debt. Advice is also available on law, consumer, immigration, health and more.

More information is available at www.cabdevon.org.uk or call the Devon Adviceline, open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, on 03444 111444​.