A PILOT scheme utilising the skills and experience of older people on Teesside could be about to expand.

If the plan wins approval, more over-fifties will be encouraged to get involved in community activities across Middlesbrough, including helping in schools, running toy libraries, developing computer skills, and promoting the countryside.

The scheme began in the town's Beckfield ward in 1999, after the Government allocated £25,000 for an action estate model project. Further funding was secured for a second project at Brambles Farm and Thorntree, but the Government money dried up in March.

Now Middlebrough Borough Council is proposing to maintain the current schemes and develop more under its Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP).

In a report to the Older Persons' Partnership Board, which will consider the proposals on Thursday, Glenys Jones, corporate director of social services, said: "There is a body of older people who have skills and life experience that they want to use for the betterment of the community.

"It would be extremely beneficial if the work of RSVP could be permanently established and extended in Middlesbrough."

Don Rycroft, 66, who takes part in several volunteering projects, welcomed the proposals.

He said: "The more the merrier. I'm involved in the Netherfield Toy Library and the kids really adore me. I'm like a granddad to them.

"I'm also on the Cleveland Pensioners' Convention Forum sub-committee, and I'm secretary of the Beckfield Health and Well Being Forum. It's wonderful. I really feel good and fit and people admire that."

Under the proposals, the current part-time volunteering coordinator for east Middlesbrough would be retained until March, costing £7,000.

From then, other coordinators would be appointed for south and west of the town, costing £19,000 each.

In west Middlesbrough, the post would be developed within the New Deal for Communities programme.

It is anticipated that each project would become self-sufficient, as volunteers acquire the skills to sustain them, gaining funds from providers such as the National Lottery.