Nearly three years of effort has finally resulted in a free specialist legal service becoming available in Truro. Carrick Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has developed a debt and welfare unit on the first floor of Truro library, next door to their main office, which was officially opened by MP Matthew Taylor.

Manager of Truro CAB, Jim McKenzie, said: "After nearly three years of effort I am delighted that we have now been awarded this contract and that we can now bring an extra 1,100 hours of specialist advice to clients living in the area."

He added that the legal unit, which is a franchise of the main CAB, meant they now had greater potential to help more clients.

In order to qualify for free advice, people must receive income support, income based job seekers allowance or state pension credit, or be on a low income. Anyone who is not able to receive the service will be transferred to the main CAB office.

The franchise contract has been awarded by the Legal Services Commission.

Geoff Mountjoy, regional director for the south western legal services commission, said he was delighted the two organisations could work together.

"This is part of our commitment to increasing access to high quality legal advice and information, particularly among the vulnerable and social excluded communities in Truro and the surrounding rural areas of north Carrick," he added.

The office is open every Tuesday to Thursday, from 10am to 4pm. More information can be obtained by ringing 01872 266737.