A pioneering project in County Durham that aims to help teenagers prepare for adult life is looking for volunteers.

Partners and Parenting, run by the NSPCC for the past five years, will be helping 14 and 15-year-olds at Wellfield School, Wingate, for a year from this summer.

NSPCC project worker, Lorna Kemp, said: "Young people value the opportunity to discuss issues with adults other than a parent or teacher and we are currently looking to recruit volunteers from the local community who might be interested in this type of project.

"Training undertaken by volunteers raises their awareness of a whole range of issues relating to parenting, child protection and understanding adolescent behaviour.

"We offer an exciting new challenge and the chance to acquire and develop new skills as part of a supportive team," she said.

The project aims to provide young people with an insight into the demands of parenthood and adulthood and raises awareness of their own options and the need to make quality life choices.

A key aim is to cut teenage pregnancies and those taking part get the chance to find out what it is like to look after a 'baby'. It is actually a doll similar to the one used on the hit TV progamme Big Brother, which can be programmed to require attention throughout the day and night.

"It's similar to looking after a real baby - except that if you dropped it on its head, it wouldn't lead to a child protection referral," said Isobel Porter, manager of the NSPCC in the north east.

Volunteers don't need any particular qualifications and Lorna would like to hear from people who are over 18, like working with young people and have some free time during the day.

Anyone wanting to find out more can contact Lorna Kemp at the NSPCC on 0191 226 0155 or write to the NSPCC (North East) 17 Brighton Grove, Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 5NS.