BUSINESSES in Darlington are urged to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the town’s Citizens Advice Bureau.

Darlington CAB offers free legal and financial advice to vulnerable residents, and has dealt with 23,000 legal enquiries over the last year.

To help celebrate the charity’s 75th year, members of Darlington Cares are taking part in a Go Casual for CAB day on Friday, June 20.

The day will see local businesses taking part in a dress-up or dress-down day, or hosting a cake or book sale.

Money raised will go towards training CAB staff, as well as improving their office in Darlington’s Horsemarket.

The charity’s chief executive, Neeraj Sharma, said he was delighted with the support shown by Darlington Cares and local businesses for its 75th anniversary year.

“Demand for our services has grown massively in the last few years and we need to ensure our building is fit-for-purpose so we can continue to deal with enquiries effectively," he added.

As well as getting casual for CAB, Darlington Cares member and host, Teesside University is helping the charity develop its marketing strategy to promote its 75th year.

Darlington Cares programme manager, Katie Blundell said: “CAB has served the people of Darlington for 75 years and there has never been so high a demand for their vital services. We are delighted to support them in their anniversary year.”

The charity is also hosting a 1940s glitz ball on Saturday, July 19 at the Mercure Kings Hotel, in Darlington, with golden-age entertainment from the Blitz Sisters.

For more information or to book tickets call 01325-256999, or email events@darlingtoncab.co.uk

To take part in Go Casual for CAB, call Ms Blundell on 01642-738970, email k.blundell@tees.ac.uk or visit darlingtoncares.co.uk