A CHARITY'S efforts to help older people stay in their own home has proved so successful that they are now looking for more volunteers.

Northallerton's Chopsticks was originally set up to create work-orientated day care for people with learning difficulties.

But last year they branched out into a new area, setting up a garden maintenance scheme, funded by social services, to help, out older residents in the area. Project manager Graham Cook said: "It's embarrassing.

"Last year's experimental garden scheme has proved so popular that this year we are having to limit ourselves to basic lawn and hedge-cutting just to get around all those who have already applied this year.

"We are going to have to start a waiting list any moment now.

"What we need are some willing volunteers, who are prepared to give a few hours a week in their own area, to help.

"A bit of assistance weeding, pruning, grass and hedge-cutting would help us give a better service."

Basic home maintenance is also offered under the scheme - so when it rains there are other jobs to be tackled by the helpers.

Anyone who would like to help is asked to contact Jean Tennant on (01609) 777292.