Advice is still free, no matter how strange the questions

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but at least you can still get free advice.

Volunteers at the three Christchurch branches of the Citizens Advice Bureau help callers with matters ranging from abandoned cars to the location of the nearest zoo.

There are 139 volunteers, but 15 more are needed for next month's training course, especially in areas with fast-growing populations, such as Rolleston.

Volunteers must commit to at least one shift a week.

They will be trained to give advice on issues like consumer affairs and problem neighbours.

Staff have dealt with unusual inquiries.

One man wanted to know how long it would take to cook a leg of lamb, while another asked how long he should boil beetroot.

People have called to check spelling or the answer to general knowledge questions.

A man wanted legal advice after being contacted by police for selling five of his former girlfriend's contraceptive pills on an internet auction site.

Jeannette Beaumont, a volunteer for 15 years, said: "You never know what you're going to get or how your day will unfold.

"Years ago, I had one day that started with somebody wanting to know how to spell a word, and the next phone call was from someone feeling suicidal."

Volunteers use online and paper resources.

- © Fairfax NZ News