A POPULAR day hospice in Teesdale is hoping more volunteers will allow it to expand.

The Butterwick Day Hospice has been running in Barnard Castle's Richardson Hospital for two years and recently moved into a newly-opened section on the site.

The hospice, held on Mondays, offers care and support for patients with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and helps their friends and family.

Care is provided by nurses, care specialists and volunteers.

With a high number of multiple sclerosis cases in Teesdale, the hospice organisers are hoping to open a session on Fridays to concentrate on neurological patients. Judith Hutchings, volunteer co-ordinator at the Butterwick Day Hospice, said: "We have a great team of volunteers, but we always need more people willing to help

"It could be anything - from providing transport to just being there to talk to patients who come into the hospice.

"All we ask for is people who have a little bit of spare time and want to help and give something back to the community.

"A lot of people say, 'I don't know what I can do', but in fact most people can help in some way, and we would love to hear from anybody."

People interested are asked to call 01388-603003.