A SCHEME run by a children's charity to support young carers is appealing for volunteers.

The Barnardo's Young Carers project works with youngsters who care for sick or disabled relatives in the Derwentside and Easington areas.

The project needs volunteers who are over 25 and with transport to help young carers on trips and outings.

Volunteer co-ordinator Helen Hodder said: "Often, a family can have a wealth of professional help, but this is usually geared towards the sick or disabled person and not the young carer.

"These young people need support - the chance to get out and about and the opportunity to mix socially with people of their own age and have some fun."

The project is also looking for volunteers of all ages to help at support group meetings and with schemes during school holidays.

Ms Hodder said: "There are a lot of fun activities to get involved in and we have been to Alton Towers, the Edinburgh Festival and Lightwater Valley.

"We've taken the young people swimming and bowling and try to give them the opportunity to relax and have fun - to have a bit of a normal childhood."

The project is based in Chester-le-Street, but covers the whole of the Easington and Derwentside areas.

In the Easington area, the service operates in Seaham, Murton, South Hetton, Easington, Shotton and Trimdon Colliery, Haswell, Horden, Peterlee, Blackhall, Thornley, Wheatley Hill, Wingate and Station Town.

In Derwentside, the service covers Stanley, Consett, Lanchester, Langley, Burnopfield, Annfield Plain, Leadgate and Beamish.

Last year, the project supported 81 young people.

Anyone interested can contact Ms Hodder on 0191-273 3604.