A valued neighbourhood advice centre has closed - because of a lack of younger volunteers to help run it.

The Carterton centre, at the town's Methodist Church, in Burford Road, has been operating for more than 20 years.

Former mayor Mary Johnson performed the opening ceremony in 1985 and has been the centre's committee chairman for many years.

She said: "This has caused considerable distress to all the volunteers, the committee and the people who benefited.

"But the fact is that the people who are doing all the work get older and, after running it for many years, there are not younger people to come along and take over."

The centre opened on Thursdays and Saturdays and, as well as providing advice on a range of housing, benefits and other issues, also became a meeting place and a luncheon club.

The centre's assets, including funds and equipment, have been given to local organisations.

Janet Eustace, Carterton town clerk, said: "We are very sorry to see them go."

Mrs Johnson, 77, says that local people will not be without help.

The Citizens Advice Bureau has an outreach service at the Broadshires Surgery, while service families attached to RAF Brize Norton have The Hive Centre.