APPLICANTS are being sought for an unusual job vacancy - filling the 20-inch shoes of a costumed cartoon character.

Durham County Council is looking for someone to take over the role of Sam, the authority's 7ft sustainable travel mascot.

The council says it is looking for an enthusiastic, outgoing personality to fill the fully padded and air conditioned foam costume at a rate of pay of just over £6-an-hour.

The mascot visits schools to promote environmentallyfriendly alternatives to the school run. The successful candidate will work about 15 hours a month, depending on demand.

Initially, Sam's costume was filled by an in-house volunteer, but so great was the demand that it became a paid post - since when there have been two Sams, one man and one woman.

Dave Wafer, the council's acting head of highway management services, said: "Sam is an established character who mainly works in the travel plan team to promote sustainable travel on the school run.

"He doesn't speak so whoever wears the costume has to get messages across through gestures and actions.

"He's of average height and build - apart from his head and feet - and quite a cool character, who has become very popular with young people throughout the county.

"We're not asking for any specific attributes in potential Sams - just an exuberant personality, experience of working with children and performing or promotional skills. An ability to walk in a huge head and enormous shoes without falling over would also help."

The closing date for applications is next Friday. For more details, call Ian Henry on 0191-383-5591 or email ian.henry@ durham.gov.uk