THE search for "super" carers able to look after troubled young people in east Cleveland has begun.

The area's Child Placement Team manager Chris Priestman said there was an urgent need for people who can provide care to youngsters to come forward.

The carers would be self-employed and earn £500 a week in addition to the usual allowance for the child.

Mr Priestman said: "The team is looking for people with extraordinary qualities who can provide a stable, caring home for young people with the more challenging behaviours.

"We're particularly interested to hear from teachers, youth workers and residential workers - or anyone with informal experience of teenagers with acute family difficulties."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which provides the Child Placement Service, is also launching a Support Care Scheme. The scheme would give support to young people whose families are struggling to cope. Volunteers from all walks of life are needed to give up some free time.

Information points will be set up at two supermarkets to provide more details on both schemes. One will be at Morrisons, Redcar, on Thursday, from 10am to 4pm and the other will be at Asda, South Bank, on Friday, May 23, from 10am to 4pm.

There will also be an open day at Grosmont Resource Centre, Grosmont Close, Redcar next Monday, May 19, from 10am to 2pm