DESPITE already employing 400 part-time youth workers, North Yorkshire County Council's community education service needs more adults to work with the young people.

Youth workers provide support and advice to youngsters in their district in a variety of ways for between two and 20 hours a week. The rewarding and challenging work involves interacting with young people in youth centres, on the streets or through sports and leisure activities.

Tony Turner, education officer for community learning, said: "No experience is necessary, though you do need to understand the issues facing young people today and be prepared to help them through a short period of their life that can be quite a roller-coaster ride."

Many adults start as volunteers and become paid workers once they are more experienced and comfortable in their role. For more information call (01609) 532590 or visit the website www.northyorks.gov/lifelonglearning