Volunteers are needed for a project that will help young people taken into custody at Witney Police Station.

Under the law, youngsters aged ten to 17 must have an adult with them at the police station. Often this is a father or mother but sometimes parents, guardians and carers are unavailable.

Custody Sgt Steve Baker said: "The youngster may have left home and there is nobody to turn to. Caring parents sometimes reach the end of their tether and refuse to come when their son or daughter continually re-offends. And a handful of parents, I regret to say, don't seem to care what their children get up to.

"These are a minority but when it happens we have to find another person to support them as soon as possible. We need a bigger register of volunteers."

Gilly Workman, of the Oxfordshire Youth Offending Team, said: "We welcome approaches from public spirited adults who are sympathetic towards young people in difficulties."

She can be contacted on 01869 322666.