IT'S certainly a happy new year for a Craven charity which has successfully secured funding for two new workers.

Skipton Citizens' Advice Bureau welcomed rural outreach worker Marianne Russell, who will cover sessions already held in North Craven and the Wharfe area, while introducing a new service in South Craven.

The branch also recently secured a Lottery grant to fund an additional part-time position, which will probably be filled in the spring.

Funding for Mrs Russell's post came from North Yorkshire County Council's second homes budget.

Manager for Skipton CAB, Erica Cadbury told the Herald: "It is a really good start to the new year.

"We see about 1,500 new people every year, with ongoing work for about 1,000."

Mrs Russell took up her role in November last year, but will hold a new session in Cowling on alternate Wednesdays from 1pm to 3pm from next Tuesday. The sessions will be held at St Andrew's Church.

Mrs Cadbury, who has worked at the Skipton branch for nearly two years, felt it was important to have a base in South Craven.

She said: "We have always had a steady number of clients coming from Cowling. It is also one of the most deprived areas of South Craven. We want to help people maximise their benefits."

Mrs Russell will also take on existing sessions at Settle Health Centre on Mondays from 10am to 2pm, Bentham Medical Practice on alternate Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and Ingleborough Community Centre, Ingleton, from 10am to noon on the last Wednesday of the month.

Mrs Cadbury added: "It means Marianne can do the sessions and support the volunteers. She will be able to do follow up work with clients. In the past if anyone needed further work doing, they had to come to Skipton. It means people can see the same person or have a home visit."

CAB offers free and confidential advice on a range of issues, including benefits, finance and employment.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for CAB should call 01756 701371.