VOLUNTEERS are wanted to act as 'appropriate adults' to youngsters being held in police custody.

The Appropriate Adult service is being launched across Essex in March in partnership with the Essex Youth Offending Team.

By law, a young person aged under 17 held in police custody must have an 'appropriate' adult present when being questioned. In the past, young people have often had to be detained for many hours while parents, carers or social services were contacted.

Jane Aldous, service coordinator for the young people's charity RPS Rainer, said: "In London, we cut the custody time by 40 per cent, thereby saving the young person, police and other professionals a great deal of valuable time.

"The greatest challenge for us in Essex will be the long distances that need to be covered, but it's a challenge I'm, sure we can meet."

Volunteers recruited now will undergo training in February. For more details, ring Jane Aldous on 01992 493355.