A recruitment drive has been launched in Oxfordshire to give adults with learning disabilities greater independence.

Oxfordshire County Council's Social Services Department is looking for more paid carers to open their homes to people with learning disabilities for one-to-one help and support with day-to-day living.

Social services adult placement officer Sarah Gray said the scheme offered clients an alternative to attending day centres.

She said: "It's all about offering service users a positive choice because not everyone fits in with group-orientated activities.

"Carers can provide people with support by taking them swimming or shopping, or teaching them life skills such as cooking or budgeting."

Social services employs about 100 carers in the county to work with adults with learning disabilities, but Miss Gray said there was a shortage of staff in Oxford.

Carers are paid for the time they provide on a self-employed basis and hours are flexible.

People interested in working as a carer do not need formal training, although all carers go on a foundation course.

Rosemary Dean, of Watlington Hill Farm, at Christmas Common, near Thame, has been a carer for seven years.

Mrs Dean said: "You get a tremendous amount out of being a carer. It's just like having friends come over who need some support.

"It gives you a great deal of satisfaction knowing that you are providing a service that is really useful."

A social services spokesman said the cost of employing more carers would be met from existing budgets.

For more information about becoming a carer, call 01865 375515.