Citizens Advice in Buckinghamshire has marked 80 years of providing free, independent confidential and impartial advice to those in need by hosting a special birthday party.

Citizens Advice was founded the day after World War II was declared with its services then initially focussed on rationing, homelessness and evacuation, finances with the earner away and locating missing relatives - as well as how to keep poultry.

Since then, Citizens Advice has become a trusted household name providing advice on a wide range of issues such as debt, benefits, housing, family breakdown, employment and more.

In a bid to celebrate their 80th birthday, Citizens Advice Bucks hosted a party for councillors, officers, staff and volunteers at The Gateway in Aylesbury on November 25.

Despite Buckinghamshire being a relatively affluent county with low unemployment there are many areas of poverty and deprivation.

It is estimated by Citizens Advice that there are 37,000 households in the county living in poverty. Last year, across Buckinghamshire, Citizens Advice helped almost 14,000 residents, giving them the knowledge and the confidence, to find their way forward.

William Sprigge, chair of Citizens Advice in High Wycombe, said: “We are here for everyone and we will continue to help make things better.

“Whatever the problem, our amazing staff and volunteers do all they can to help people find their way forward.

“Last year, for every £1 invested in Citizens Advice in Bucks, the advice they provided delivered £17.56 in financial value to the people we help, £3.71 in savings to the government and public services and £25.23 in wider social and economic benefits.

“This anniversary enabled us to thank all staff and volunteers, without whom we would not be able to provide a service.”