A WEBSITE launched to make it easier for people to find good quality legal help and advice in Hyndburn, has been welcomed by the borough's MP Greg Pope.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine and Cherie Booth QC launched the website -- www.justask.org.uk -- as part of the new community legal service which will enable people to find out where to get the right help for their problems.

The website will provide free legal information and advice, and access to a directory which lists solicitors, citizens advice bureaus, advice agencies and other suppliers of legal services.

Mr Pope said: "This is a major step forward in delivering help and advice to all people in Hyndburn and particularly to those who are most vulnerable and deterred by possible legal costs.

"The government has backed this with an additional £46 million and I am pleased with the initiatives so far in the North West."

Lord Irvine said: "People who live in a CLS Partnership area will no longer struggle to find help if they have a legal problem. The directory or website will show them where to find a quality service and where to get into a community legal service local network.

"My aim is that the CLS will be easy to use and give people a new confidence when they have a legal problem."