Volunteers who could help disabled people to go on a shopping trip, enjoy a meal out, go to the cinema or just have some fun are being sought by Bradford council.

The volunteering unit is on the look out for people across the whole district who want to get involved in their local community and help someone with a disability enjoy a range of social activities.

Staff in the unit, which is responsible for recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, have organised a drop-in information session in Saltaire on Saturday, September 9, for anyone who is interested in finding out more.

The session will be held at Neville Grange, off Queens Road in the village, and will run between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm.

Worth Valley tory Cllr Kris Hopkins the council's executive member for health and housing, says: "People with disabilities enjoy eating out, going to watch a rugby match or seeing a film but many of them miss out on activities like this unless they have the extra support and help of someone like a volunteer.

"If we all look carefully at our time we can always find a few spare hours over a week or a month to help improve the quality of people's lives by getting involved in a scheme like this."

Volunteers of any age are welcome, although they must be at least 18, and they can give time on a regular basis either over a long or short period. Travelling expenses, support and training are provided.

Volunteers manager Paula Siswick, who will be one of the staff on hand at the drop-in session, says: "We're looking for anyone who has some spare time - even if it's only a couple of hours a month - and would like to use that time to help others.

"The drop-in session will be very informal so I hope anyone who would like to be a help will come along and find out more.

"Our experience shows that people get a lot out of volunteering and it can also help people who are looking for a career change or provide experience for unemployed people."

Among the people currently looking for a volunteer is Susan, aged 45, who has learning disabilities and lives with her elderly mother who is unable to take her out.

Susan would enjoy trips out to the cinema, shops or places of interest with someone she can talk to - giving her a chance to develop her own independence.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer should call in at the drop-in session on September 9 or call the volunteering unit on 01274 757970.