ROLE models are desperately needed to help youngsters facing problems ranging from bullying to drugs.

Organisers of Worcester's mentor scheme are calling for more people to donate a few hours a week to spend with youngsters aged 13 to 19.

At the moment, the mentoring scheme, which covers Worcester and Droitwich, receives approximately 100 referrals a year, mostly from schools, but only recruits about 60 mentors.

"We have a desperate need for mentors," said Molly Price, project manager for social inclusion schemes in South Worcestershire.

"These are young people who have been referred to us for some extra support for various reasons," she said.

"The reasons could be anything from bullying to drugs or family problems, or they are just young people in need of support."

The mentoring scheme began as a programme in Dines Green and has since spread throughout the rest of the county.

Volunteers, who need to be more than 20 years old, are given six weeks training and go through a selection process and security checks before they are matched with to a youngster.

Mentors then spend a couple of hours with the teenager once a week, going out on activities ranging from bowling to having a cup of coffee.

"It's a one-on-one situation," said mentor co-ordinator Michael Siglioccolo.

"It is an informal kind of relationship. We're looking for people who are positive role models and who can definitely commit to six or nine months."

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact either 01905 23030 or 01905 23925.