THE marriage guidance charity Relate is appealing for volunteers to help it recover from a crisis.

Last December, the North-East arm faced collapse after it underestimated the cost of amalgamating several offices. It was saved by an anonymous benefactor, who pledged to support its recovery plan.

Following radical restructuring, its teams in Middlesbrough, Durham, Sunderland and Darlington are hoping to attract more volunteers. Nat Smith, chair of Relate North-East, said: "Locally, Relate needs more counsellors and trustees to meet the demand for its services and to help ensure the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently.

"Counselling work is demanding, but we can offer suitable candidates the support of Relate's highly respected national training programme."

Potential trustees should have relevant experience and be able to attend up to two meetings a month.

Anyone who can help should contact Karen Wilkinson-Bell, on (01325) 242900