A MAN who provides financial advice to people who seek help from Trowbridge Citizens Advice centre has won a top award for his work.

Derek Howard, a partner in St James’s Place financial advisers, has won the MoneyPlanner of the Year title at the Personal Finance Awards, at the O2 in London, for his significant contribution to Wiltshire Citizens Advice and its clients.

The award is given annually in recognition of the generosity and commitment made of around 100 professional Financial Advisers who, like Mr Howard, give their time and expertise as volunteers to support the work of their local Citizens Advice.

MoneyPlan advisers like Mr Howard provide financial advice on subjects such as pensions, debt management, mortgages, releasing money from property, insurance and savings.

Suzanne Wigmore, chief executive of Wiltshire Citizens Advice, said: “Wiltshire Citizens Advice are delighted that our MoneyPlanner Derek Howard has won this prestigious national award.

“It is a fantastic example of the breadth and quality of advice that a local Citizens Advice is able to provide.”

Mr Howard has 40 years’ experience of working in the financial services sector and has been volunteering with Wiltshire Citizens Advice for the past three years as part of the MoneyPlan initiative.

He was nominated by his local Citizens Advice for his selfless commitment and empathetic approach in helping, often vulnerable, people understand and gain confidence in dealing with financial matters.

Mr Howard said: “I’m very pleased to have the service I provide recognised by the Personal Finance Society, and by my clients and colleagues at the CAB.

“I’m delighted to be involved with Wiltshire Citizens Advice and to be able to give financial guidance to people in the local community.”

Anyone needing financial advice should contact Wiltshire Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444 or drop into their local Citizens Advice office.

Details of your nearest office can be found on its website: cabwiltshire.org.uk.