by Jo Sword

Thanet homeowners struggling to avoid repossession are to get an extra helping hand.

The government is targeting the island and the Medway area with impartial help for people who are behind with their mortgage payments.

South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman said: "I don't want to see anyone lose their home and people threatened by repossession need all the help they can get. Thousands have already been helped by the Government at this difficult time but there are still people in Thanet having trouble keeping up the mortgage and good, independent advice is vital for them."

In all, 56 areas around the country will share £2 million to help those feeling the pinch.

Special mortgage awareness events are to be held by the Citizen's Advice Bureau and will take place in public areas to offer on-the-spot advice.

Many people do not know their rights according to Housing Minister John Healey. He said: "We have tough rule in place that mean lenders have to be flexible, have to be patient, have to be ready to re-negotiate the terms of the mortgage and can only repossess at the last resort."

The campaign has already been running in some areas of the country and more than 330,000 households have received help and advice with their mortgages over the past year.

• If you need help, call National Debtline's free advice line on 0808 808 4000 or log onto: www.direct.gov.uk/mortgagehelp/