YOUNG homeless people in rural communities have started to use an organisation that was set up on their behalf.

Already two young people have used the Stop2Night Teesdale project to find temporary accommodation.

The service, which began operating in May, provides young homeless people with a place to stay in a volunteer's home for two or three days until more permanent accommodation can be found.

It was set up by Joanne Rouse, from the Durham Rural Community Council (DRCC), the Reverend Jane Grieve, from Churches Together, and Donna Harris, of the Teesdale Market Towns Partnership.

Figures revealed a rise in homeless people in Teesdale, but no emergency shelter for 16 to 25 years-olds.

Stop2Night Teesdale expects to deal with about 20 people a year.

Many of the homeless people in Teesdale are classed as "sofa surfers", who spend occasional nights at friends' houses, but have nowhere permanent to stay.

Ms Rouse, the West Durham rural housing enabler for the DRCC, said: "The fact that at least two people have contacted us proves that there's a need for it.

"Even when we were going round doing publicity we did have comments from some people in the area that they wished something like this was going when they were younger."

The service operates as a branch of Stop2Night in Darlington.

It is now working with Teesdale District Council to provide an emergency flat for homeless people in Evenwood, which would complement the Stop2Night service.

Stop2Night Teesdale relies on donations and is also looking out for more volunteers, who would be able to offer emergency accommodation.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Ms Rouse on (01207) 529621.