PLOUGH and Share Credit Union, Devon's not-for-profit financial co-operative, has opened a new service point in Crediton Children's Centre at Newcombes, Crediton.

This is in addition to the service provided every Friday between 1.30pm and 3pm in the Council Offices, Market Street, Crediton and is for parents with children under five.

Plough and Share, which offers ethical savings and loans and has its headquarters in Okehampton, relies on 120 volunteers across the county to provide a face-to-face presence for customers.

The new service point for parents in the Children's Centre will open on Tuesday, March 25 and the last Tuesday of every month during term times, between 10.30am and 12 noon.

Children's Centre lead, Georgina Marks, said: "The Centre is very pleased to have these links with Plough and Share, enabling its services to be offered to parents with children under five."

Tony Gale, one of those who will be volunteering for Plough and Share, said: "We are delighted to have been invited to the Children's Centre and look forward to explaining to local parents how we may be able to help them.

"While we do not offer financial advice, we can explain our savings, loans and other services, and help with the paper-work."

Plough and Share, which is supported by Sustainable Crediton, has a special incentive running at the moment for customers in Crediton.

Thanks to the England Illegal Money Lending Team, new savings customers who save regularly for three months get an extra £30 in their account.

John Skrine, Plough and Share's lead volunteer for Crediton, explained: "This is through the work the Illegal Money Lending Team does to track down loan sharks.

"People who are convicted of 'loan sharking' have their assets taken and some of the money is recycled to encourage people to use better sources of savings and loans, such as Credit Unions."

Paula Anscomb, manager of Plough and Share, said: "It's easy to open an account with us even if you can't get to one of our service points, as our forms are all available on our website: http://www.ploughandshare.co.uk">www.ploughandshare.co.uk or you can ring us on 01837 658123.

"But, I really hope parents will use our new service point at Crediton Children's Centre, as our volunteers are a fantastic bunch, and there's nothing like getting an answer to your questions face-to-face."