Pubs are sometimes seen as places where people with problems go to drown their sorrows. But one hostelry has become a place where those with difficulties can find answers, without resorting to alcohol.

The Walnut Tree at Aldington, which is owned by Kent brewers Shepherd Neame, is taking part in a pilot scheme to take Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) out into the community.

The pub is providing a venue for staff from Ashford CAB to provide help and advice to villagers on a drop-in basis.

Licensee Karen Barrett said: “Some villagers find it difficult to get into Ashford so the CAB approached us about becoming a venue where people could have a one-to-one chat about their problems and queries.

“The surgery runs from 12.30pm to 1.30pm every other Wednesday and we have found them a quiet corner of the restaurant where they will not be disturbed. Other venues include church halls but I believe we are the only pub to be a venue.”

The next surgery will be on April 30.