VOLUNTEERS are sought to take part in a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks in Southampton .

The specialist England Illegal Money Lending Team, working in partnership with Southampton City Council, is launching Bite Back Week later this month to encourage local people to turn away from loan sharks, and those who have already been a victim to seek help.

Posters and banners will be displayed throughout the community and beer mats with the 0300 555 2222 hotline number for reporting loan sharks will be supplied to pubs and cafes.

Loan sharks operate illegally, usually by befriending their victims before trapping them into a spiral of debt due to skyhigh interest charges.

Many resort to extreme methods, such as violence, threats and intimidation.

Volunteers are needed to help out between 10am and 4pm tomorrowprior to the launch of the campaign on August 20 10am to 4pm and on Tuesday, August 21. Call Catherine Wohlers on 07500 809339.