IN a show of support for a Hartlepool voluntary project, council leader Russell Hart has been getting to grips with his decorating skills.

Armed with paint brush and paste board, he joined volunteers on the Owton Fens Community Association (OFCA) project, which offers free painting, decorating and gardening services to elderly and disabled people living in the Owton Manor and Rossmere areas of Hartlepool.

Helped by councillor Diane Plews, he helped to redecorate a house in Laird Grove.

Coun Hart said: "Volunteers are so often the unsung heroes of our communities, doing vital work which can go virtually unnoticed.

"My time with the OFCA project left me impressed at the commitment of the volunteers to help others less fortunate than themselves."

Volunteers on the project, which is run in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and funded through the European Social Fund, also benefit as they work towards an NVQ qualification.

There is a backlog of 92 gardens and 70 houses to be tackled.

Harry Robert Clouth, OFCA legal advisor, thanked the councillors.

He said: "The gardens aren't so much of a problem and the backlog there has been caused by the poor weather. However, on the painting and decorating side we do need more volunteers."

Anyone wishing to volunteer or wanting further information should call Michael Cranney, volunteer facilitator, on (01429) 283187.