A SCHEME that provides respite care for sick and disabled youngsters across County Durham has issued a desperate plea for volunteers.

Durham and Darlington Shared Care helps youngsters with physical and learning disabilities or serious illnesses.

Its team of foster carers provides temporary care, giving parents a much-needed break, and it has a befriending scheme that helps youngsters make friends outside the family.

But the call for its services is growing and it needs more people to volunteer their services.

The scheme began in 1986 and is jointly funded by Durham Social Services and children's charity Barnardo's. It covers Darlington, Durham, Derwentside, East Durham and Chester-le-Street.

Barnado's spokeswoman Angela Robinson said: "We have 108 children on our register and 84 approved carers. Five more are going through assessment and 13 others are going through the induction process.

"At the moment there is a waiting list of 20 children who need carers. If we can get more volunteers hopefully we can get carers for them all.''

Shared Care social worker Ramla Handa said the scheme provided sitters, who look after children in their own homes and foster parents who take youngsters in for short breaks.

"The whole idea is to allow the child and its family to have a break and for the child to experience something different. It also gives the parents a chance to spend time with their other children."

Carers are from all walks of life and are assessed and given training. Police and social services also make checks. Carers are paid a small allowance.

The charity particularly needs male carers and befrienders as well as volunteers from the ethnic minorities.

Anyone wanting more information about becoming a volunteer should ring (0191) 3784800.