Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking volunteers who can befriend disabled children and young people in its area.

The befrienders can offer valuable respite care for the parents and families of disabled babies and children up to the age of 18.

The service, which relies heavily on willing and caring volunteers, is free to families of disabled children whatever the severity of their disability.

As well as helping the families, volunteers for Family Link also get the chance to meet new people, make new friends and develop their own sense of independence.

Befrienders come from every kind of background and may be single, married, young or older, and with or without children of their own.

No previous experience is needed, however the Council will provide in-depth training and applicants will need to undergo a home assessment, including personal, police, health and social services references.

Fostering Team Manager, Steve Grout, said: "We value these volunteers greatly and without them this service would not be as successful as it is. However we do not have enough volunteers to meet the demand within the Borough.

There is a generous expenses package for volunteers. Those interested should call 020 8227 5476 or 020 8227 5487.