DISABLED youngsters in Darlington are looking for buddies who will help them live more interesting lives.

Sixth formers or students would be the right age group to join a volunteer befriending scheme called Darlington Inclusion, which the children's charity, Barnardo's, is setting up in partnership with Darlington social services and a grant of £77,000 from Children's Promise.

The co-ordinator, Mr Andy Cope, said: "A lot of disabled children have never had the opportunity to get involved in things they have always really fancied doing, simply because they are disabled.

"It may be that their family has not had the time, or the young people either didn't have the confidence to try on their own or had no idea where to go."

Outings could be as basic as going to the cinema, a bowling alley or swimming.

"Leisure centres and swimming pools are big, scary places when you are disabled and on your own," said Mr Cope.

The idea is to provide and train people willing to befriend disabled youngsters, giving them the chance to become independent and make their own decisions.

Another plan is to reach out to youth groups, clubs and activity groups to see whether or not they would consider a similar scheme.

It would involve a young person joining up with one able-bodied person as a buddy, with the support of the rest. The project wants people between the ages of 16 and 25, but will consider older or younger people, as they hope to work with an age group of 13 upwards.

It will rely on groups such as guides, a football team or drama group involving youngsters of about the same age.

"People interested in volunteering don't have to worry about how much we'll expect of them in terms of time. We're happy if someone can donate as little as one afternoon or evening a month. We're not asking for this to take over your life.

"We'd very much like to hear from young people themselves, who can tell us what they want and help us develop the sort of service that would most benefit them, " he added.

Sarah has a learning disability and cannot manage money or travelling on public transport. She had to rely on her mother or her younger sister to take her out before she was introduced to her volunteer, Charlotte, aged 17, who hopes to train as a probation officer.

They enjoy their outings together, and Sarah is learning new skills and becoming more independent.

Anyone who is interested in signing up for the scheme, either disabled youngster or as a volunteer, should ring 01325 254437 or 254438.