THE first branch of the Essex Savers credit union has opened in the district.

The branch, which offers cheap loans and options for saving, opened at St John's Church, in St John's Road, Epping.

It is staffed by volunteers from St John's Church and Epping Roman Catholic Church and open from 10am to 12pm on Monday mornings.

Organiser Janet Whitehouse said: “I am delighted that we can now offer this service to local people. Loughton Methodist Church has offered to host a branch too and as soon as I have more volunteers we will open there.”

Talks are also taking place to open branches in Waltham Abbey and Debden.