FAMILIES with disabled children are being urged to come forward to get support and advice.

Durham County Council's social services department issued an appeal earlier this month for parents and carers of disabled children under 18 to register with the County Durham Children's Network.

Although there was a good response from the Durham City area, officials believe there are many families in other parts of the county who have not registered.

The network has 150 children on its register, but it is thought that the real total of disabled children in the area could be at least four times that number.

Rob Watson, Children's Network project worker with social services, said: "The register brings together parents, carers and staff from health, social services education and voluntary organisations to discuss the development of services and to tackle problems faced by children with disabilities.

"The Children's Network is a way that we can share good news about the many successes of children with disabilities, and so keep parents and careers up-to-date with anything of interest.

"I want to hear from parents and carers from across the county, as those that responded to the last appeal were from the Durham City area.

"It may be that because we are based at County Hall, people from the more outlying areas think they can't access what's on offer.

"But this is a county-wide service open to all. There are benefits for everyone involved."

For details about the service contact Mr Watson on 0191-383 4095, Minicom 0191-383 3980 or e-mail at ssisll, Queen Street, on