ABERGAVENNY Mayor David Simcock officially revealed which local charity would be receiving his support for the coming year, at a the launch of his charity appeal on Friday.

Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice was chosen by the Mayor, who pointed to the crucial work the bureau does in helping those with legal difficulties.

Shirley Lightbound, CEO of the group, welcomed the news, expressing her ‘very grateful’ thanks to the Mayor for his support.

“As for all charities funding is becoming more and more of a challenge and the Mayor choosing to support us is a great opportunity to raise the profile of the organisation,” she said.

Councillor Simcock said he chose the Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice for its ‘vital and wide-ranging’ work with vulnerable people, adding that he and the mayoress, Councillor Penny Simcock would be working towards raising significant funds for the service over the next year.

The Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice in Abergavenny is situated in Cross Street and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 3pm.

The service is free, confidential and non-discriminatory and provides information and advice on all issues.

Shirley said: “If we cannot find the information within our resources we can find someone else who can help.”

The basic advice service is also supported by specialist advice in welfare, benefits and debt with the added resource of the availability of McKenzie Friends to support clients experiencing difficulties with legal processes.