A VOLUNTEER service for vulnerable young adults who find themselves on the streets or in need of a safe house is struggling to find families willing to open their doors.

Nightstop Teesside, which offers temporary accommodation to 16-25 year-olds, has only one volunteer family on its books in the Redcar and Cleveland area.

And the organisation is looking for more families to follow in the footsteps of Carol and Alan Shaw, of Loftus, east Cleveland, who took in their first youngster in 2008.

Mrs Shaw said: "We had teenagers ourselves and know the difficulties involved. When we found there were vulnerable Teesside young people in need, we decided to offer our support."

The organisation call the couple to ensure they are able to take a young person before bringing them to their home where they are offered a bed and food.

"I never pry if they don't want to talk," said Mrs Shaw. "But many really want chat about how they found themselves homeless. The appeal of Nightstop is that is a simple idea. Just one night in your spare room."

Young people are referred to the organisation for various reasons, it can be because their situation at home has become unbearable and they have nowhere else to go, or simply because of a row they have felt the need to leave where they were living.

"It's a safe scheme. I think that concern may stop potential hosts from coming forward," she said. "The charity vets them closely. I get a lot back from having the young people. Next morning they are so grateful - that is a wonderful thing to hear."

The charity helps young people across Teesside to find safe and secure accommodation but are in desperate need of volunteers in the Redcar and Cleveland area.

Nightstop volunteer co-ordinator Tim Myer (CORR) said: "Carol and Alan have been tremendous over the past two years. Their home is just a temporary measure and efforts are made find the young people a more permanent solution. Middlesbrough now has many Nightstop hosts. But we lack homes in the Redcar area and it is frustrating to turn vulnerable young people away."

Hosts do not need special skills or qualifications but must be able to offer a youngster their own room. Volunteers are given full training and support and all expenses are paid.

To get involved, call Nightstop on O1642-493929 or visit the charity at 17 Queen Street, Redcar.