An advice charity is having to turn away 20 people a day desperate for help because it cannot cope with the rise in demand.

Volunteers at Brighton and Hove branch of the Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) realised how much they were overstretched when they carried out an audit of their work last month.

About two dozen people queue outside the office in London Road, Brighton, every morning and there are similar pressures at Hove Town Hall's drop-in service.

The CAB deals with 14,000 people a year in the city and more than half the growing caseload comprises people needing financial advice, particularly over mounting debts.

Director Keith Kemp said: "We have more people at our doors than we can help and we could virtually fill as many appointments as we have with all the money advice required.

"It is very disconcerting to turn people away without even looking at their problems and, while some might well come back and be helped another day, it is not a good situation."

A report two years ago by the social policy research centre at the University of Brighton showed Brighton and Hove City council's £135,000 grant to the organisation that year brought £1,546,000 to the city in savings and benefits.

Mr Kemp said it was unrealistic to expect the council to increase its funding because there was so much pressure on public services.

He called on local people and businesses to support the bureau so it could open in the evenings and at weekends. Volunteers are also being sought.

He said: "It is a local charity doing local work that is very stretched and could do more with more support."

The bureau has 26 staff, most of whom are part-time, and there are 50 volunteers running the advice service.

Volunteer adviser Adrian McAllister, 64, said: "We're not able to help everybody because of the number of clients compared to the number of volunteers.

"But it is very rewarding with the people we do see because we usually give them information to help them deal with the problem."

An induction day for volunteers is being held on September 23.

For more details, or to make a donation, email Keith.kemp@brightonhovecab.org.uk Call the Advice-line on 0845 1203710.