A SEARCH is on for volunteers to help run a play area used by children while visiting relatives who have been locked up.

At least eight men or women are needed for the scheme at Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Some inmates have children while others have young brothers and sisters who visit.

The play area is stocked with toys and games, but extra help is needed by the paid child minder in charge during visiting sessions on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Christine Blakey, who is trying to enlist volunteers, said: "Many children are taken on regular prison visits, and this helps a lot of prisoners to cope with their sentences.

"But the young ones need to be able to play for part of the time. They range from small toddlers up to boys and girls aged eight or nine. It will be a great step forward if we can find some people to help look after them."

Ms Blakely, manager of the North East Prison Aftercare Society, already arranges volunteers for play areas in Durham, Low Newton, near Durham, Acklington and Castington, both near Morpeth, Northumberland, but wants to include Deerbolt.

She said: "If prisoners can stay in touch with family members, including children, it can lead to them settling down more quickly and staying clear of crime once they are released. So the efforts of play area helpers can be important."

Volunteers are paid travelling expenses.

Anyone wanting more information about Deerbolt, or the play service run at other prisons in the North-East, can contact Ms Blakely on 0191-375 7278.