A SCHEME that helps to prevent accidents in older people's homes is expanding.

The £50,000 Handyvan project was launched 18 months ago by Age Concern Durham County and Chester-le-Street District Council.

It aims to prevent accidents in the homes of the over-60s by carrying out small repairs and improvements to remove potential hazards. It has 442 clients in the Chester-le-Street area and has carried out more than 1,000 jobs since its launch.

The project won national recognition as a runner-up in the 2002 NHS Modernisation Awards.

In the New Year, the Handyvan project will be extended to Durham City, initially aimed at the over-75s, although the organisers hope to extend it to the over-60s.

The project needs volunteers to train as home risk assessors and assistants to the team which carries out repairs and alterations.

Handyvan co-ordinator Barry Breeze said the project carried out jobs such as installing handrails, fitting smoke alarms and ensuring carpets were pinned down so people did not trip on them.

"Our maxim is that it is the trips and slips that break the hips.

"We do not do things like painting and decorating but there are 1,001 jobs we can do to make life easier and safer for older people.

"One job we did for an amputee coming out of hospital was move his bed downstairs so it was more accessible and take furniture upstairs to make room for it.

"We don't charge for the work we do, but people can make a donation if they want to.''

Details of the project are being circulated to community nurses, doctors' surgeries and occupational therapists in the Durham area, who can refer clients.

Mr Breeze said the work of volunteers would suit retired or semi-retired people with some DIY skills. Full training will be given.

For details, call him on 0191-371 2444.