A CHARITY is seeking volunteers from County Durham to help give support to young carers.

The Barnardo's Young Carers project works with youngsters who are looking after sick or disabled relatives in the Derwentside and Easington areas.

Currently the project needs volunteers to help workers run small groups and to assist in raising the profile of the service by distributing information to schools and doctors' surgeries.

Help is also needed to escort and transport young carers to activities during the school holidays and to produce a volunteers' newsletter.

The project supports 66 young carers aged up to 17, the youngest being just eight years old. Some look after more than one relative.

The project is looking for volunteers of all ages and Barnardo's co-ordinator, Helen Hodder, said: "This work is important, and volunteers can make a big difference in these young people's lives.

"We try to give them the opportunity to relax and have fun - to have a bit of a normal childhood.''

She said: "Young carers are a hidden army. There are thousands of them around the country. And volunteers are a crucial part of this project.''

The project is based in Chester-le-Street but covers the whole of the Easington and Derwentside areas.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Helen on 0191-388 4803 or 07939 338 390.