The Pembrokeshire Citizens Advice Bureau recently held it's Annual General Meeting at which, staff and volunteers attended. Mrs. Angela Burns, Assembly Member for South Pembrokeshire, was invited as the guest speaker on the evening.

The Citizens Advice Bureau supports communities by providing an invaluable service to those in need by offering free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects including, debt, benefits and employment issues.

In Pembrokeshire, there are offices at Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest which are staffed by 50 volunteers and 18 (mostly part-time) paid staff. Outreach sessions at various locations are also held weekly to ensure a county wide service.

Speaking at the annual general meeting, Mrs. Burns said: "The Citizens Advice Bureau does amazing work on behalf of the community advising people in need of support, or who are in trouble. They work incredibly hard and provide vital work, they are some of the unsung heroes of the voluntary sector.

"With high levels of debt currently amassed by some people in our county, £1.4 trillion of debt circulating in the UK, more and more people are asking for information on debt issues. The service is helpful to my offices but a lifeline to those in need. It is a credit to the Citizens Advice Bureau that they have such a strong organisation in Pembrokeshire."

Prue Barlow, chair of Pembrokeshire Citizens Advice Bureau, commented: "It is vital to CAB clients that we maintain strong liaisons with our elected representatives and we are delighted to have Angela's support."