Darlington people eager to have a voice in the town's housing issues are being encouraged to volunteer for positions on a management board.

The Darlington Housing Association is looking for new members for its management board.

The association wants to attract people interested in local affairs who have skills and knowledge in tenant concerns and welfare, business, finance, legal issues, community relations, planning and building issues.

The voluntary and charitable association, which has 251 properties and a waiting list of 200 applicants, was formed in 1976 to provide affordable housing for people in Darlington unable to buy their own homes.

Tenants are linked to the organisation by tenant meetings and consultation exercises.

It hopes to extend social housing in the town in accordance with the local authority.

Board meetings are held once a month with three sub-committees also meeting monthly. Volunteers would only have to give up two or three hours a month.

Anyone interested can attend an open evening on Tuesday, October 8, at 7pm, being held at 72a St Paul's Place, Darlington. For more information or to attend call Ann Bolton on (01325) 461352.