NEW blood is needed at Darlington Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), the organisation's outgoing chairman told a meeting last night.

Alan Coultas, who has served as chairman for five years, said: "I think it's time for me to step down. I do this because in my view it's a mistake to hold on to the reins of this kind of office for too long.

"It's important to bring in some new blood and give other people the opportunity.

"I make no excuses for saying some new blood from some younger members would be particularly welcome."

CVS chief executive Kevin Richards has resigned and will leave in the New Year. Treasurer David Pratt and secretary Pat Poinen have also stood down.

Mr Richards told the CVS annual meeting in the Dolphin Centre that he had had a fascinating ten years in post but added: "I think CVS needs some new faces."

He said he had been particularly saddened to see Audrey Applegarth, who ran the CVS's Volunteer Bureau, leave recently to take up a post on Teesside.

Peter Freitag was elected chairman and Josanne Hall secretary after both were unopposed for the posts.

Bill Longley won the vote to become vice-chairman, beating former councillor Norma Town by 16 votes to 11. The treasurer's post has yet to be filled.

The meeting heard that Northern Rock has awarded the CVS £99,000 to continue running its volunteer bureau for the next two years.