RELATIONSHIP counselling by telephone and Skype is being offered to couples in rural locations across Cumbria.

Counselling service Relate already offers face-to-face counselling in Kendal, Penrith, Whitehaven and Cockermouth, but says that travelling to sessions can be "a real barrier" for people who live out of the way or have no transport.

Relate says the extra telephone service will give the same high standard of counselling, and will enable couples to seek help without leaving their home, as well as being of benefit to anybody who prefers a degree of anonymity.

To book an appointment, phone 01325-461500.