THE Bridport branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has appointed a specialist to help people with benefit cases and appeals.

Andy Pennington has joined the Bridport and district branch, bringing 18 years of experience in welfare benefits advice with him to his new role.

Mr Pennington has previously worked for a local government welfare rights unit, NHS mental heath trusts and a range of charities.

Bridport and District CAB manager Rovarn Wickremasinghe, said: "Andy is a highly capable and experienced benefit adviser.

"More than a third of all client enquiries we deal with concern welfare benefits and Andy will enable us to increase our service provision in this area."

He added: "Andy has previously been involved with Citizens Advice Bridport and District in a voluntary capacity but says he jumped at the opportunity to get more involved and contribute to its brilliant work in our local community.

"I am looking forward to helping the bureau deal with the increasing numbers of personal independent payment and employment and support allowance appeals and help people manage when the full Universal Credit service is introduced in our area at the end of this year."

The branch will hold its next training course for volunteers on Tuesday, February 7. There is no charge for the course and it can lead to a number of different roles including as a n adviser, receptionist or in administration.

CAB Trustee Bryan Brown, said: “We provide a wide range of impartial, confidential and free advice to a growing number of local residents from our offices in Bridport and in our Lyme Regis and Beaminster offices.

"We are a charity which depends upon the time generously given by our volunteers, who all receive training and support and work with a supportive group of like-minded people”.

If you need advice you can drop in at the CAB office in Bridport, 45 South Street, which is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. You can email your enquiry to advice@bridport-cab.org.uk or telephone the Dorset AdviceLine on 03442 451291.