A TEAM service which has helped hundreds of needy residents has celebrated its first birthday.

In 12 months, the Housing Advice Service has helped people obtain more than £43,000 in welfare benefits they might otherwise have missed out on.

It has also helped individuals dealing with debt problems totalling almost £300,000.

The service offers free, confidential and impartial advice. The partners include Bury and District Disabled Advisory Council, Citizens' Advice Bureau, Homeless Young Persons' Enterprise, Bury Housing Concern, Bury Young Persons' Housing Link, Bury Leaving Care Project and Rachel House.

Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for health, housing and social services, outlined the range of issues which the team dealt with.

He said: "These include disputes with private landlords, to harassment and illegal evictions, repossession, disrepair, rent and mortgage arrears, and the threat of homelessness.

"Advice sessions take place across the borough, and the service has set up a scheme at Bury County Court which will mean that somebody will be available to offer assistance on the days when rent and mortgage possession hearings take place."

Coun Connolly added: "Private solicitors and experienced advisors attend the scheme on a rota basis. This means that access to free advice and representation may be available on the day, although we would always recommend advice be taken before the court hearing date.

"In just 12 months, the service has made a big impact and has been vitally important in the lives of hundreds of local people."

Preventing homelessness is one of the team's main tasks, and it has stopped 74 people from losing their home.

Residents are offered one-to-one interviews at home or at bases in Radcliffe, Prestwich and central Bury.

Advisers also hold drop-in sessions for people aged up to 25, at the Information Shop for Young People in The Rock, Bury, on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 1pm, and Thursdays, between 1pm and 4pm. Contact the service on 253 7557