"VOLUNTEER parents" are being sought in Malvern by organisers for the charity Home-Start.

Pat Borthwick and Lesley Young began work for the charity, based at Great Malvern station, on Mon-day (September 2). Their job is to recruit and train volunteers for the Home-Start scheme, which provides support to parents in difficult circumstances, from domestic violence to disability or postnatal depression.

Ms Borthwick, 55, previously set up and ran Home-Start in Guildford, Surrey, 1996, but for the last three years has worked for Worc-estershire Association for the Blind.

Ms Young, 48, previously worked as a nursery manager in Kidderminster and before that set up a parent/career and toddler group after moving house with a new baby made her aware of the need for support for families with young children.

Both said they were looking forward to the challenge of working in Malvern.

"It looks very idyllic, you wouldn't think there would be anything wrong at all," said Ms Young.

"It's not all roses," agreed Ms Borthwick. I think the issues are a bit of a mixture. The problems are huge, they're so different, that's what makes it so interesting."

Volunteers can be of any age or background, although they must have parenting experience. Call 01684 578925.