A PIONEERING advice service is offering a helping hand to Torfaen residents.

The Connect 2U service is the first of its kind in Wales and enables people seeking help and advice to speak to an expert via videolink.

The move will mean residents don't have to travel far to get the help they need as the service is available at six venues in the area.

Free advice can be had on a variety of topics including debt, housing, employment, benefits and consumer problems.

The scheme is a joint project between the Citizens Advice Bureau, Torfaen council's trading standards team, the community legal service and the consumer support network.

Councillor Bob Wellington, leader of Torfaen council, said: "It's important that people with problems can get free, impartial advice quickly without making a long journey.

"The things they want to talk about may be very personal and sensitive. I think that being able to talk face-to-face with someone will make it easier to discuss problems and get the answers they need."

Sheila Henderickson, director of Torfaen CAB, said: "People need easy access to advice and information.

"This videolink allows people to speak directly to a range of information providers and it doesn't matter where they live or if they have access to transport."

The link is available at customer care centres in Cwmbran and Pontypool and libraries in Blaenavon and Cwmbran, which will connect you to trading standards in county hall and the CAB in Cwmbran.

The videolink is available at these venues and times:

Cwmbran customer care centre, Monday to Friday, 9am to noon and 2pm to 3.30pm.

Cwmbran library, Wednesday, 9.30am to 11.30am.

Blaenavon library, Monday, 2pm to 3.15pm.

Pontypool civic centre, Monday to Friday, 9am to noon and 2pm to 3.30pm.

Trading standards, County Hall, Cwmbran, Monday to Friday, 9am to noon and 2pm to 3.30pm.

Cwmbran CAB, Monday to Friday, 9am to noon and 2pm to 3.30pm.