THE local branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau will continue to deliver debt and money advice services across North Oxfordshire for the next two years.

Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire was awarded a new contract worth £252,089 per year by Cherwell District Council following a tendering process.

It was formally agreed on Monday, December 5 and means services will continue to be run in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington.

For the past five years the organisation has helped support more than 5,000 residents through both appointments and drop-ins.

It helps people deal with legal, money and other problems by providing free, confidential advice face-to-face, on the phone and through home visits.

Councillor Ken Atack, Cherwell's lead member for financial management, said: "Citizens Advice is a fantastic service which provides essential advice to residents when they really need it. We are pleased to be able to support the great work that they do."

The contract will run for a period of two years from April 1, 2017 and includes an option to extend for a further year from April 2019.