A SCHEME which aims to bridge the gap between teenage tearaways and pensioners is looking for volunteers.

The initiative hopes to encourage different generations to trust and respect each other in a bid to wipe out juvenile crime.

Age Concern, in Kierby Walk, Burnley, is now recruiting people to help.

The charity has already signed up 10 volunteers for the Trans Age Action scheme, but more people are needed to help.

Residents from the Burnley Wood and South West Burnley areas are particularly needed.

A spokesman for the charity explained: "The aim of the scheme is for older and younger members of society to learn to trust and respect each other, so youngsters will think twice about making mischief and older people will feel more confident in and out of their homes."

Four volunteers have already completed the introductory programme and have begun placements.

Two are helping in nursery schools with general play and craft activities, one is in an infants' school helping with reading and craft and another is at a junior school organising activities to encourage children to play together.

The charity said when one volunteer walked into the nursery classroom for the first time she smiled, rubbed her hands and said: "What a good do!"

She was soon surrounded by small children and got involved with the activities. One of the school's teachers remarked the volunteer had taken to it like a duck to water.

The remaining six new recruits have just started training and possible placements have been identified for them.

The group is looking for at least 25 recruits and no special skills or abilities are necessary. Volunteers just need to have some time and patience and get on with children.

For more information contact 01282 427222.