A new mortgage arrears advice service has been launched in Exeter this week.

The service which is a joint venture between the city council and local charity Homemaker Southwest, will offer free independent and confidential advice and information to homeowners about their options, ideally before the mortgage lender has begun repossession proceedings.

A dedicated telephone helpline will be able to give worried homeowners initial advice about their options and face-to-face appointments will be arranged for more complex cases.