A group that helps hundreds of people with debt and other problems in the Whitby area faces closure early in the New Year unless it can find £50,000.

Some of the problems of Scarborough and District Citizens Advice Bureau have been caused by its former treasurer, Gerald Waterworth, who was jailed nearly a year ago for theft, said chairman, Councillor Dorothy Clegg, of Whitby.

"His conviction and the resultant publicity led to a significant drop in donations and income to the CAB," she added.

Waterworth was jailed for 18 months for stealing £200,000 from the CAB and his employers Scarborough Building Society, of which he was a director. She said the CAB had last year helped people with debts totalling £3.5m in the Scarborough, Whitby and Filey area and in the past year had secured £537,000 in welfare benefits for people, many in dire straits. "This money is in turn spent in the local economy so the community does benefit as well," she said.

"It is unthinkable that the CAB should have to fold but that is the reality unless we can get substantial funds quickly."

A major appeal has now been launched and the area's MP, Lawrie Quinn, has been asked to help.

* Anyone able to help is asked to call Cllr Clegg on 01947 603553.