SELF-employed, retired and semi-retired business people are being sought for a mentoring service.

Darlington Business Venture is appealing for volunteers to help with the programme, which offers advice to people starting or running a small business.

Hilary Dunne, of Darlington Business Venture, said: "Anybody who has knowledge and experience of businesses is introduced to small or new businesses wanting a sounding board to bounce ideas off.

"Sometimes they need to know where to find information to help them solve problems or take advantages of opportunities that arise."

Scheme co-ordinator Alan Wall said: "Mentors are not expected to be consultants or hands-on directors. Very often, all a business owner needs is someone to talk to, as running a small business can be a lonely job."

Ms Dunne said many volunteers made lifelong friends through the scheme.

She said many mentors had spare time and saw mentoring as a way of getting involved and passing on the knowledge and experience gained over many years.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is offered an induction or training session.

For details contact Alan Wall on (01325) 289610.