WEST Devon charity Home-Start is delighted to have been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund to provide its home visiting volunteer service to young families in the Tavistock area.

The charity, which offers befriending and mentoring support to families with at least one child under five, is desperately looking for volunteers.

Once trained, volunteers visit families who are experiencing difficulties, for a couple of hours each week and offer emotional and practical support.

Scheme manager Andrea Chandler said: 'We are very excited to be able to expand our service in the Tavistock area and in addition to a basic forty-hour training, volunteers will have access to on going training, including accredited option and career development support.'

Scheme chair Judy Westacott said: 'We know it can sometimes be hard for families in rural communities, especially in such a difficult financial climate, but our volunteers can be there with a listening ear and practical support which can make all the difference.'

The scheme is planning the next volunteer training course for January 2012 so, anyone who has parenting experience and would like to help the local community offering a couple of hours a week, contact Andrea on 01548 854513.