The Wiltshire Law Centre celebrated another year of serving the community.

Staff and trustees gathered for its AGM, which saw all trustees reappointed and accounts for the past year approved.

Based at Sanford House, the law centre is funded by legal aid and offers free and confidential legal advice and representation in welfare benefits, housing and debt to people on low incomes.

Nimrod Ben-Cnaan, head of policy and profile at the Law Centres Network, spoke during the meeting.

He said: “It is no mean feat to still be operating after 38 years.

"The very sad closure in July of Lambeth Law Centre, which opened in the same year as you did, is a reminder that longevity does not necessarily make you more secure.”

Mr Ben-Cnaan pointed to the waves of law centre closures following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.

“Many areas of the country are now advice or legal aid deserts,” he said.

“Next year the justice budget will be 40 per cent lower than a decade ago.

“Given the scale of adversity that law centres are facing we’re doing very well,” he added.