A SUPPORT group that helps adults with learning difficulties get out and about in Derwentside is appealing for volunteers.

County Durham Care's Friendships in Durham service was set up to help people make greater use of their spare time in the Consett and Stanley areas.

To do this they need volunteer friends who will accompany them to the shops, cinema, walking, playing sport, going to the church or the pub or just socialising generally.

The friend does not necessarily have to have a specialist skill or be an expert in a certain area, but they must be happy to involve the person in their lives and respect the individual.

Volunteers will be given a short training course to familiarise themselves with the group's work and help them get to know their new friend.

All reasonable expenses accrued can be claimed back from County Durham Care. Friends could lend a hand during the daytime, evenings, weekdays or weekends.

For more information contact Kerry Ramm at the Fines Park Community Resource Team, Fines Park, Annfield Plain, DH9 8QX or phone her on (01207) 284692.