The team at Citizens Advice North Lancashire have been celebrating a very special birthday this week.
Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureau was opened on 19th September 1939 when the Secretary of the Lancaster League of Help, Miss Sarah Holmes, was asked to set up an Advice Bureau.
The Bureau began to operate from the premises of the Lancaster League of Help at 14 New Street, Lancaster. Ruby Walker, her assistant, worked as a volunteer for the Bureau until she married in 1945.
Morecambe and Heysham Citizens Advice Bureau was opened at 21 Anderton Street on 1 July 1963 and merged with the Lancaster office in 2011. They have since dropped the ‘Bureau’ and are known as Citizens Advice North Lancashire.
Chief Executive Joanna Young said: ‘’Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for us to help thousands of people every year in the local area, and especially to our incredible volunteers and donors.
‘’We've changed a bit since 1939! But what we stand for remains the same - whoever you are, whatever your problem, our charity is here to help you with free, impartial advice.’’
The celebrations included a very special afternoon where the staff at Citizens Advice North Lancashire served the volunteers tea and cake and took part in a Citizens Advice themed quiz.
Advice Services Director Gully Trevena added: ‘’Thanks to their tireless commitment and work we’re able to help so many more people in the local area.
‘’We know this Winter is going to be tough for lots of people and Citizens Advice North Lancashire is needed now more than ever.’
Trustee Richard Tulej is the Chair of the Strategy Committee at Citizens Advice North Lancashire and said: ‘’The team provides an essential service and we want to be around for the next 85 years to help many more people in the Lancaster and Morecambe District.
‘’People don’t realise we’re actually a charity and we rely on your generous donations to do this.’’


Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe

