A free and accessible advice service in Fermanagh has launched a fundraising drive to cover its costs.

Community Advice Fermanagh, formerly Citizen's Advice, receives funding from the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Department of Communities, but these contributions do not cover all operational expenses.

This year, the charity's staff and board will join the Belfast Marathon's 8 mile walk, aiming to raise the essential funds.

To meet the challenge, the team will need to complete in under 2 hours 30 minutes.

Bernie Maguire, the charity's manager, said: "What people across Fermanagh maybe aren’t aware of is that Citizen’s Advice no longer exists within Northern Ireland since 2018.

"We assist clients in the same way that we did previously under Citizen’s Advice in areas such as but not exclusive to benefits, housing, employment, debt, consumer, pensions etc.

"We do receive funding from the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Department of Communities however this does not cover all our running cost.

"As a charity we rely heavily on funding from grants and fundraising. Our service is invaluable across the County as we are the only advice service in Fermanagh that is accessible to all."

He said in the previous year, the charity increased financial maximisation across the county by 1.1 million and helped more than 12,000 clients.

He added: "All donations towards our fundraiser will go towards the running costs of the service.

"We really appreciate any donation and hope the citizens of Fermanagh get behind us”.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-advice-fermanagh