A SUPPORT network for families of children with special needs and disabilities hopes to extend its services by securing a base in Wear Valley.

The Crook and District Parent Carers group is about to mark its first anniversary by launching a massive fund-raising drive to open its own premises in the area.

Organisers hope to be able to buy specialist equipment, open a sensory and therapy room for children and have space for relaxation and social events for the family.

Founder members Val Fairhurst and Christine Beard, who both have sons with autism, formed the group because they felt there was a lack of help for families like theirs.

With support from Pauline Lanagan, a carer support worker with Wear Valley Carers, and volunteer agency 2D, which provided a £450 start-up grant, the pair started fortnightly meetings at Kidzone nursery in the town centre.

The 22 members and 45 children have enjoyed day trips, parties, had guest speakers offering expert advice and information, and held social nights.

Mrs Fairhurst and Mrs Beard now hope to set up a permanent base, preferably in the Crook area, to give the group a sense of belonging and identity.

"Schools and health services can only offer so much support. We really needed a group where whole families could get together and offer first-hand advice, and meet with people who really understand what each other is going through," said Mrs Beard.

Mrs Fairhurst plans to apply to several charities and trusts for grants towards the scheme and host fund-raising events to reach the £100,000 target.

She said: "We could do so much, there are so many people from Wear Valley, Teesdale and Sedgefield who are interested in the group and we could have day care and eventually even residency.

"That money would hopefully get us premises so whole families could get together at once.

"It would offer children the space and time to relax and be themselves, without feeling the odd one out."

The first event will be at the Elite Centre, Crook, with music from Tempest, on Saturday, March 6, between 7pm and midnight.

Tickets, priced £3, are available from Crook Community Partnership, Just For You card shops, in Crook and Bishop Auckland, Mrs Beard and Mrs Fairhurst, or at the door.