A free drop-in event is being run at Ayrshire College to help Cumnock and Doon Valley residents deal with money worries.

Organised by East Ayrshire Council’s Financial Inclusion Team, the Spring Clean Your Finances event will run from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday, May 29 and will include representation from a number of local organisations as part of East Ayrshire Money (www.eamoney.co.uk).

There will be an opportunity to speak with local experts to get a helping hand with debt, rent and money problems as well as assistance with learning new skills and finding employment.

Councillor Clare Maitland, cabinet member with responsibility for equalities, inclusion and poverty, said: “Most of us find ourselves stretched financially from time to time and usually things get back to normal. Occasionally though, bills can mount, rent arrears can tot up and debts can easily get on top of you.

“If debt is causing you sleepless nights or financial hardship, or if you’ve difficulty paying your rent, have mortgage arrears – the best thing to do is seek help and not worry in silence.

“We will have a range of experts on hand to offer free, impartial and confidential advice at this event next week. As soon as you know there’s a problem, let someone know - East Ayrshire Money will give you the helping hand you need.”

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Alan Brown will be hosting a surgery at the event. He added: “The majority of my casework arises from some form of financial impact or support issues. I would urge anyone who may have concerns to come along to this event and speak to the experts."