A COUNTY Durham service which helps the parents of children with special educational needs is looking for volunteers.

Parent Partnership, based in Peterlee, east Durham, is seeking people to become parental supporters, who listen to parents and help them express their views.

The service, which is part of Durham County Council's education department, said it was hoping to find people who were reliable and objective, and had the time, commitment and enthusiasm to learn about the issues surrounding special educational needs.

Volunteers would be interviewed and then take part in a training course, due to start on May 8.

"It's a great opportunity for people not only to learn new skills, but also to help develop the service," said Elaine Chandler, co-ordinator of Parent Partnership.

"We give ongoing training to our volunteers, who offer parents practical and emotional support, attend meetings with them, make sense of any paper mountain and help them explore the options for the child's education."

Parent Partnership could also put parents in touch with support groups which gave people the chance to get together to discuss their concerns in an informal setting.

Events were also held to help parents take an active part in their child's education.

Anyone interested in becoming an independent parental supporter is asked to contact 0191-587 3541.