AN organisation set up to support disabled children in Darlington has been praised for its work.

The Pathfinder Children's Trust was established in the town earlier this year.

Its aim was to find out how people felt about local services for parents, carers and disabled youngsters, particularly those attending Beaumont Hill School.

The board consists of representatives from the statutory and voluntary sectors, who are all involved with children and young people.

Its decisions are reviewed by the borough council's social affairs and health and lifelong learning scrutiny committees.

In a report to the committee, which meets today, social services director Margaret Asquith said the trust was being developed "in a rapidly changing climate".

Mrs Asquith said: "The direct involvement of parents and young people has given the trust a valuable insight into the major issues for service users.

"Key areas identified by disabled young people and their families have been leisure, post-16 transition, integrated working and information sharing.

"The trust has responded by forming sub-committees to particularly focus on these areas."