VOLUNTEERS who want to work in County Durham schools next term are being urged not to be put off by red tape.

Support organisation 2D, which covers Teesdale and the Wear Valley, fears that the security process that volunteers have to go through, including background checks, might be scaring away would-be helpers.

Chief officer Michele Armstrong said there were plenty of organisations across the county which could help people through the paperwork.

She said: "It can seem a confusing and daunting process, but there are organisations to help and, once you've found the right support, everything is a lot more straightforward.

"Volunteering is vital to many of the schools and, without the work they do behind the scenes, many youngsters would not have the help and support they need.

"Playing a part in the future of the next generation is a vital and rewarding area of volunteering, and we want to work hard to help more people channel their energy and time into this area.

"Volunteers are the behind-the-scenes heroes of the classrooms and many pupils owe a debt of achievement to the supportive work they do.

"We know it seems like you're facing a minefield, but we're making it as easy as possible to take that first step and someone will be by your side to help with the rest of the process."

Volunteers wanting to work in schools or other organisation, can contact a single helpline covering 11 support organisations in the county, on 0845-270-5606, or visit www.shaping thecommunity.org