With at least 2,700 people dying in Britain every year because they cannot afford to heat their homes, debt is literally becoming a matter of life and death, says Pru Barlow, chair of Pembrokeshire Citizens Advice Bureau.

Speaking during National Trustee Week last week, she appealed for more people to volunteer not only as trustees, but as advisors, administrators and marketers, to help the charity cope with growing demand for its services.

"During Trustee Week we focused on the hugely important role that our trustees play," said Pru.

"Each CAB is a separate, self-sustaining charity so the trustees of Pembrokeshire CAB are responsible for guiding the funding of our offices in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, prioritising the services we offer to the people of Pembrokeshire and ensuring best practice in everything we do.

"Advisors at both CAB offices report a big increase in the number of people wanting advice on how to deal with spiralling fuel costs.

"Statistics show that fuel poverty can be even worse in the countryside, so we have the double problem in Pembrokeshire of deprived communities in some of our towns and people living in rundown housing in the countryside on low agricultural wages.

"Our advisors can help those struggling to pay fuel and other bills to negotiate better contracts, agree new repayment plans and access benefits.

"Most of that work is done by volunteers, supported by a small core of paid staff, so our services cannot expand without new volunteers.

"If you can spare at least six hours a week, do please become a CAB volunteer.

"We need people from all walks of life to help us offer a service that represents the community we serve," added Pru.

Anyone interested in volunteering with Pembrokeshire CAB, please email [email protected]">[email protected]