THE NHS in County Durham and Darlington is looking for volunteer porters to help keep services running smoothly.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is looking for people to join a new team of Volunteer Response Porters, based at Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham.

Jason Cram, associate director of nursing, said: “We anticipate they’ll quickly become essential in the day to day business of running our busy hospitals.

"Becoming a volunteer response porter will be an excellent way to meet new people and gain experience of working within an NHS environment."

Volunteers must be over 18 and be able to provide two references.

Events for prospective volunteers are being held at Hollies Restaurant, in the basement, Darlington Memorial Hospital, 2-4pm on Friday, February 28 and at Prospect House, in Aykley Heads, Durham on Wednesday, March 4, from 3pm-5pm.