Bicester's Citizens' Advice Bureau is to receive a council grant of £43,345 -- £12,000 more than last year.

The organisation, based at the Garth, Launton Road, is one of several to benefit from nearly £170,000 allocated to voluntary groups in Bicester, Banbury and Kidlington by Cherwell District Council.

CAB branch manager Claire Kelly said: "It is fantastic. The bureau has been working really hard establishing quality assurance and making sure we provide the best possible service.

"We have been working at a deficit and this money will help us to balance the books."

Bicester Adult Continuing Education Centre, in Queens Avenue, has been awarded £2,500.

Cllr Lawrie Stratford, executive member of the district council, said: "The work done by the voluntary groups in the district never ceases to impress me.

"Allocating the money is not an easy task, considering they all do such a good job. I am pleased that the council can financially assist the voluntary sector with such grants.

"In this way, we can help a wide range of groups," he added.