VOLUNTEERS who set up a frontline charity fighting poverty in Inverclyde are calling on more people to take on vital behind-the-scenes roles.

Mary Sanderson and Eleanor Robertson founded Financial Fitness 20 years ago and since then it has been a lifeline, delivering £62 million in welfare benefits to the most vulnerable in society.

Since then they've sat on the management board to keep the charity running and now hope they can inspire other local people to use their skills in the same way.

The Tele reported recently highlighted how the frontline service has helped people, many with physical and mental disabilities, fight for welfare benefits and drew praise from leading money saving expert Martin Lewis.

Eleanor, who remained on the management committee for 20 years, said: "Across Inverclyde there are so many people, retired professionals, who have skills that are so badly needed on management committees.

"They could make a difference in a big way.

"I think all charities and organisations are calling out for more people to sit on boards.

"We can't run without them."

Eleanor, who was involved in the adult learning outfit Second Chance Learning, was invited to sit in on the former Regeneration Partnership.

Along with fellow member Mary Sanderson, they both recognised a need for an independent advice service.

Mary, who ran a creche network in her home town of Port Glasgow, said: "The advice service was originally set up with pensioners in mind.

"Many of them at that time were on the breadline and entitled to benefits, but they didn't want to ask.

"We thought we would need it for a couple of years, and we are still here now.

"We offer an independent service, we never pass on details to anyone.

"We have highly dedicated and committed members of staff who have stayed with us.

"It is important to look after them."

Financial Fitness takes on around 2,000 new clients every year, offering advice on topics such as universal credit and running a money advice service.

Eleanor added: "Obviously funding is a constant worry but we have always managed."

The strategic role of the management committee is to help staff deliver the charity's goals.

Office manager Jennifer Farnham, who has been with Financial Fitness from the start, said: "It is crucial to have the support of the management committee.

"We are very lucky to have such a committed committee who support us all the way.

"They are vital to the success of Financial Fitness."