Team's great strides for Hartlepool advice service

Around 25 people of all ages – including one in a wheelchair and a youngster in a pushchair – completed the walk between Seaton Carew and Hartlepool marina for Citizens Advice Hartlepool.

Plucky Emma Pennick, whose sister Julie Pennick works for the Park Road service, took the lead despite having cerebral palsy.

Emma, 38, has had the condition since birth and always needed a chair.

But she did not let that stop her taking part in the event which raised £350 towards essential running costs of the advice centre.

Energy advice worker Julie, who guided her sister along the route, said: “Emma absolutely loved it and was over the moon to be part of it.

“We have had other fundraising events, but this was our first sponsored walk.

“It was very successful.”

Emma was also supported by one of her carers Charlotte Lee and dad Peter Pennick.

The walk from the Seaton Carew clock tower to the Old West Quay on the marina was organised by office advice caseworker Carol Dees.

It was completed by Citizens Advice paid and volunteer staff, friends, relatives and supporters.

Everyone was in high spirits despite the damp weather.

Citizens Advice Hartlepool manager Joe Michna said: “This was a terrific team event and everybody who did the walk really enjoyed it.

“The weather was a bit overcast, but this did not dampen the enthusiasm and spirits of those who took part.

“The money raised will help us to cover some of our essential running costs.”

The advice centre, which helps thousands of people a year, has suffered cuts to its funding in recent years which led to staff reductions.

It is currently open between 9.30am and 3pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but closed on Tuesdays.

The service provides advice on issues such as debt, housing, energy, employment, hate crime, pensions, benefits and consumer problems.