A SUPPORT service for people with learning disabilities in Darlington is to be expanded.

Darlington Borough Council wants more people to access its volunteering project and leisure services scheme.

The service will be provided by Employment Advance and The Morrison Trust, taking over from Mencap.

A council spokesman said: "It is part of what we call a continual review in terms of getting value for money.

"We felt that offer more support to more people if we did it in-house.

"There will be no break in service for those people we are currently working alongside.

"In no way are we severing any ties with people who suffer from learning difficulties. Quite the opposite, we want to expand it."

An extra three places for volunteers are to be created, giving people the chance to learn a skill like library work before going into paid employment.

Mencap was given three months notice that the contracts were not going to be renewed. It still has a substantial contract with the authority.

Mike Burgin, regional business finance manager for Mencap said: "We can confirm that two of our contracts with Darlington Social Services have ended.

"We understand that these services have been taken up by another provider, therefore people with a learning disability in Darlington will still have access to support.

"We have always provided good quality support services to people with a learning disability, meeting their individual needs and developing their skills in independent living.

"We are committed to delivering a quality service for people with a learning disability who we support, and hope to continue to do so in partnership with Darlington social services in the future."