VOLUNTEERS and staff at South Essex’s Citizens Advice celebrated the national charity’s 80th year of service.

Staff in Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford, celebrated yesterday with balloons, banners, and cakes. Advisers at the charity help people with benefits, housing, and debt.

Kathy Kentish, chief executive officer of Citizens Advice South Essex, said: “We are incredibly proud to mark 80 years of providing free, independent and confidential advice.

“While the types of problems we’re asked to help with have changed considerably over the years, the fact that we’re here for anyone who needs free, impartial and independent advice has always remained a constant.”

To find out more, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/south-essex/ .