A man saved from the brink of financial ruin is now working for the Bradford charity which helped him back on his feet.

Tim Griffiths has been appointed centre manager for the city branch of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a charity which gives advice and practical help to people with money problems.

His post has been funded by a cash grant of £9,896 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation which was awarded this week.

Mr Griffiths, 33, sought help from CAP three and-a-half years ago when he was struggling to pay off his debts totalling £10,000. Now he is helping others facing the same plight.

"This is a wonderful start to the New Year, not only have we received this grant but we have had quite a few other donations recently. It really is a privilege to be in a position where I can help the poor and needy in Bradford as I was once helped," he said.

"CAP saved me from the chains of debt when I was struggling and now I can do the same for others."

Mr Griffiths said when money was tight he and his wife, Karen, 34, were stretched to afford enough food for their daughter Jessica who is now three.

"I felt so ashamed that I'd got into such a terrible situation. I was struggling to make ends meet and as the repayments mounted up I was robbing Peter to pay Paul and taking out more loans to pay off existing loans."

Mr Griffiths, who was born and bred in Bradford, has worked for the charity since September last year.

The grant will secure his new position until May 2000.

He and two other counsellors advise clients on how to prioritise debt repayments and negotiate with creditors when needed.

l For more information write to CAP Freepost, NEA 3201, Bradford, BD7 1BR.

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