A SCHEME that provides help for people whose homes have been destroyed by fire or flooding is launching a recruitment drive.

County Durham's Fire Victim Service, which has been operated by the County Durham and Teesside branch of the Red Cross since 1994, has 24 volunteers on its books but is looking to add ten more to its rota. The scheme provides emergency care and support to people whose homes are uninhabitable after a fire or flooding.

Co-ordinator Ros Falcus said: "A special mobile unit driven and staffed by volunteers provides a place for victims to rest, wash and be supplied with hot drinks, food and a change of clothing.

"The volunteers will also give assistance in seeking temporary accommodation and provide photographic equipment to assist with insurance claims.''

The scheme is funded by the Red Cross and provides a vital service to people who may have nowhere to turn in the immediate aftermath of a fire or flood in their home.

Red Cross community services manager Audrey Wells said: "Families aren't as close as they used to be - they live all over the place - and we help people in the first few hours of crisis.''

Fire brigade spokesman Station Officer David Turnbull said: "The service is invaluable to us and our communities. These people come along with toothbrushes and paste, a change of clothes, can take photographs for insurance purposes and can put a roof over people's heads."

Volunteers, who will be given training, are on a call-out rota between 7pm and 7am during the week and for a 24-hour period at weekends.

To find out more, call Ros Falcus on 0191-386 4367