BRISTOL Citizens Advice Bureau has teamed up with the Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to give benefit and money advice to ex-Service personnel and their families.

The project was launched on the ss Great Britain and is part of a wider national scheme which is to be funded for three years.

Ken Pickering, newly-appointed director of Bristol CAB, said that with the current financial turmoil, it was perfect timing for the launch of the project.

He said: "I am really pleased that one of my first tasks with the bureau has been to help launch this project.

"This is a very exciting project. It brings together key organisations in a new partnership which is committed to getting high quality advice to ex-Service personnel and their families".

Recent research shows there is a need for more services which provide money and benefit advice to Service personnel and their families.

David Lowe, Royal British Legion county manager for Somerset, said that the new partnership would provide much-needed additional support to all those currently serving in the Armed Forces as well as ex-Service personnel and their dependents.

Mr Lowe said: "We're very pleased to be working with Bristol CAB and using our pooled resources and experience to reach more people."

Ernie Bohm, director of policy and plans at the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, said: "At a time when serving and ex-Service people are faced with ever-increasing pressure from all sides, it is imperative that charities work together, pooling our resources and expertise, to provide the best possible services to those who have served their country.

"We are therefore delighted to be collaborating with The Royal British Legion to provide access to Citizens Advice's expert money management and benefits' advice services for all members of the RAF family."