A CHARITY which seeks to encourage people to take youngsters leaving care into their home took their appeal into a shopping centre.

Representatives of the National Children's Home Tubwell Project, in Darlington, were joined by a teenager who has spent two years in its supported lodgings scheme at a stand in the town's Cornmill Centre.

The scheme seeks to find young people leaving care, who are aged between 16 and 21, a place to live with volunteers who can help to integrate them into society in preparation for independent living.

With only four volunteers in the Darlington area, the charity is hoping that its latest recruitment drive can help to significantly increase that number and allow the project to extend its work.

One 18-year-old who left care at 16 said: "I've found it very good. Some people come out of care and go into their own place. When you are in care, you have to grow up really fast for when you move out."

The scheme has allowed the young woman to gain enough confidence to apply for her own flat.

Volunteers are trained and paid for their work.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the scheme can contact the project on (01325) 254899.