MORE couples in Bury are willing to seek help with their marriage together than anywhere else.

Bury Relate, the former Marriage Guidance Council, say that the number of couples per ratio of population which use the counselling service is considerably higher than other towns.

Local manager Mrs Joyce Siddall said: "For the size of the town Bury has a high rate of divorce. We see around 250 couples a year.

"In most areas, the ratio of people who come to us is 50/50 - that means half couples and half individuals. In Bury the split is 80/20.

"Bury is quite a small town with a lower population, but still the figure is quite high."

Bury Relate, which is based in Crompton Street, has just improved its service so that individuals or couples can now get an appointment almost immediately, or within a few days.

An initial interview can be arranged with a trained counsellor, who will explore a range of options to help determine the best way forward.

Mrs Siddall added: "Unfortunately Christmas and New Year can be a very stressful time for families and the demand for our services always increases at this time of year.

"We offer a range of counselling services and often just by talking problems can be resolved. No one needs to suffer in silence."

To relieve the pressure of the festive season, Relate has now joined forces with the National Stepfamily Association and Parentline. They have issued a unique checklist to ensure a stress-free Christmas.

Dorit Braun, chief executive of Parentline and the National Stepfamily Association, added: "Christmas can be a time when people have very high expectations from their family. A dose of realism, planning and negotiation can make all the difference to enjoying the holiday in complicated families."

For more details, contact Relate on 0161 764 4113.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.