CUSTOMERS who need emergency help from Kidderminster's social security office can now apply for crisis loans by telephone, rather than in person.

Among emergencies the loans cover are loss of money, fire or flood damage or hardship caused by wages arrears.

Opening hours for the new service are the same as for the social security office - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 4.30pm and Wednesday, 10am to 4.30pm.

The telephone number is 01562 623600.