I AM the founder of the Bankruptcy Association and we are now into our 23rd year offering independent advice on debt and bankruptcy issues to people in debt or bankruptcy.

We are a UK wide organisation and we have members in every country of the United Kingdom.

Bankruptcies throughout the United Kingdom are now running at the record level of around 40,000 bankruptcies during 2004.

These huge numbers are due to the increasing numbers of people running into difficulties because of credit card debts and other loans, as well as people whose businesses fail.

They face a wide range of problems, including the real chance they will lose their home if they own one.

We have a vast wealth of experience to help people deal sensibly with their debt and bankruptcy problems.

Over the years we have developed a very sensible and structured system to help people deal with their debt problems.

We help people from every walk of life and our system of dealing with members is extremely confidential.

The advice we offer is pragmatic and extremely well tried and tested.

More details about us can be obtained by writing to our freepost address: The Bankruptcy Association, FREEPOST LA1118, 4 Johnson Close, Lancaster, LA1 5BR.

JOHN McQUEEN, Founder and Chief Executive, The Bankruptcy Association.