A GROWING army of volunteer mentors' continued support and advice for a city's young people will get civic recognition this week.

Mentoring Project Volunteers will be presented with certificates by Sunderland City Council's director of social services Glenys Jones at the Stadium of Light tomorrow.

The evening will also recognise outstanding contributions made by mentors who will each receive an award.

The 82 volunteers have carried out 36 hours of training in counselling and the type of inter-personal and organisational skills needed to provide youngsters in need advice and guidance.

The mentors offer guidance to youngsters such as those leaving care, young parents, runaways and potential young offenders who perhaps need an impartial adult to turn to.

Mentors include Alan Anderson, who felt he needed a challenge once his family had grown up and left his home in Houghton-le-Spring.

He said: "I've been involved with the mentoring project for four years now. I'd helped bring up our two sons and thought I still had a lot to offer so volunteered.

"I've been impressed not only with the amount of training and support you receive, but also how many people from all walks of life are willing to give up their spare time to do something to help others.

"It can make a difference to a young person's life at a time when they're perhaps feeling particularly vulnerable."

Volunteers are always needed and information is available on 0191-566 3010.