A NEW service for children and young people with disabilities is seeking volunteers to join a befriending scheme in Darlington.

Darlington Inclusion has been set up by children's charity Barnardo's, in partnership with Darlington Social Services.

It aims to help disabled youngsters in the town to become involved in activities and services to which they might not have access.

The scheme is gathering information about social and leisure activities and planning how it can help disabled youngsters to enjoy the sort of activities that other people take for granted.

One of the major goals is to provide and train volunteer befrienders, who will make friends with disabled youngster and take them on outings of their choice.

Youth groups and clubs are also being approached to see if they are interested in the "buddying" scheme.

Darlington Inclusion is looking for people between the ages of 16 and 25, but it would also like to hear from anyone else who thinks they might be able to help.

Volunteers do not need experience of working with disabled young people, because full training will be given.

All that is needed is enthusiasm and time to commit to a young disabled person. Expenses will be paid.

Once someone has applied to become a volunteer, there will be police checks and a home visit, followed by a chance to meet the scheme's staff and then an introduction to the person hoping to be befriended.

Darlington Inclusion co-ordinator Andy Cope said: "We're happy if someone can donate as little as one afternoon or evening a month."

Anyone interested can telephone on (01325) 254437/38.