YOUNG people and community groups across County Durham are being encouraged to become involved in a scheme which promotes good citizenship.

The Millennium Volunteers group aims to do a total of 200 hours of voluntary work in a year.

It is supported by the charitable Key Fund, which provides funding to organisations taking part.

Durham County Council has organised a meeting at Chester-le-Street Youth Centre, Cone Terrace, on Tuesday, between 6.30pm an 9.30pm to discuss the project. Michael Evans, from the Key Fund, will be the guest speaker.

Alan Maxwell, senior worker at the centre, said: "This is a tremendous scheme for 16 to 24-year-olds."