A CHARITY that provides financial and emotional support for former service men and women in Darlington has issued a desperate appeal for help.

The Darlington branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association/Forces Help urgently needs volunteers to take on the cases of veterans who have hit hard times.

Volunteers visit and monitor those suffering from problems such as loneliness, bereavement, debt and problems.

The SSAFA/Forces Help, whose patron is The Queen, says that just as the veterans are getting older, so are the volunteers.

A spokesman for the Darlington branch said: "Without more caseworkers the people that come to us, and who may have made great sacrifices or experienced much hardship on behalf of our country, may continue to suffer miserable circumstances.

"We do have a pressing need for casework volunteers and hope that people will come forward and offer their services."

The SSAFA/Forces Help, which is funded by various HM Forces benevolent funds, was founded in 1885.

Volunteers, who receive specialist training, need to be car owners with a few hours to spare each week.

Travelling expenses are paid out of local fundraising efforts by those working in the organisation.

The work suits retired people or those working part-time.

Anyone who can help should contact secretary Michael Worrall at SSAFA/Forces Help, Memorial Hall, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HS.(01325) 369295, or call into the office in person on Fridays between 2pm and 4pm.