EMERGENCY overnight hosts are needed for young homeless people in Sedgefield borough.

The Sedgefield Youth Accommodation Forum has launched a project which it hopes will offer safe and local homes for vulnerable people to stay overnight.

Sedgefield Accommodation For Emergencies (SAFE) is being launched at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Friday, November 17, between 1pm and 2.30pm.

The forum is looking to recruit hosts who can make a room in their home available overnight to look after young people when needed.

Forum chairman Duncan Routley said: "For many young people the prospect of becoming homeless is very real, with about 100 young people every year in this area alone finding themselves without somewhere to live.

"A small fee to cover expenses is payable and full training and support is provided.

"Interviews and relevant checks will be carried out on volunteer hosts before young people are placed with them," he said.

Further details are available from Duncan Routley on (01388) 424000, Claire Franklind at DART on (01325) 313888 or Louise Edmunds at Sedgefield Borough Council on (01388) 816166