A RECRUITMENT campaign is under way to provide short breaks for disabled children.

Children's charities Barnardo's and National Children's Homes (NCH) have been contracted by North Yorkshire Social Services to manage the scheme.

They want to hear from anyone who would like to become a carer and provide short breaks for disabled children, giving parents time to relax.

A break can be anything from a few hours to a week.

A spokeswoman for Barnardo's said: "We would be interested in hearing from people from all sorts of backgrounds. There is no upper age limit, but carers need to be at least 18 years of age.

"Carers do need to be able to offer a regular commitment and time is taken to ensure that the child that is matched with a carer is the right child for them."

One of the children involved in the scheme is ten-year-old Olivia, who lives near Northallerton with her parents and older brother and sister.

She is a happy, inquisitive child but has a learning disability and some medical needs.

Her parents need a regular break from caring to allow them to spend some quality time with Olivia's brother and sister.

Anyone who would like to become a carer is asked to call Anne on (01423) 524149, Margaret on (01609) 772127, or Jill on (01723) 360389.