VOLUNTEERS who want to help in the classroom are being offered fresh support to beat the paperwork.

Michele Armstrong, chief officer of 2D, the volunteer support organisation for Wear Valley, believes many people are put off by the process they have to go through before they can start working in a school.

She is aiming to encourage volunteers to come forward and not be deterred by the process.

There are now a number of organisations in County Durham that can help.

Ms Armstrong said: "It can be a confusing and daunting process, but there are organisations to help.

"Once you've found the right support, everything is a lot more straightforward.

"Volunteering is vital to many of the schools in our county, and without the behind-the-scenes work they do, many young people would not have the help they need in schools."

Anyone in the Wear Valley who is interested in volunteering can now contact a single telephone number or website, where they will be put in touch with the right organisation to support them.

Call 0845-2705606, or visit www.shapingthecommunity.org