VOLUNTEERS are needed to give invaluable company to children with autism or Asperger syndrome.

A new befriender scheme has been set up by Bury Council's children's disability service and the National Autistic Society.

Helpers will spend a few hours each week with a young person aged between five and 13. The scheme also aims to provide outside company to members of the youngsters' families.

David Scowcroft, the council's volunteers coordinator, said: "Young people with autism do not naturally develop social skills. This can result in them leading very lonely, isolated lives.

"The scheme links befrienders with families and can help break the wall of isolation for those whose lives are affected by autism."

Befrienders do not need to be experts in autism but they do need to be reliable and dependable, willing to learn and be able to show empathy and understanding. The National Autistic Society provides four training sessions and trained volunteers will receive a certificate.

Mr Scowcroft added: "The befriender scheme is a fun, flexible, valuable volunteering opportunity, which will give the volunteer new skills and a feeling that their work has made a difference. It can be used to gain recognition through the Millennium Volunteers Scheme and The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme."

Mr Scowcroft can be contacted on 253 6418.