A FORMER police officer is appealing for volunteers to come forward and act as surrogate parents.

Covering all the police divisions in Wiltshire, Pat Morse, 45, has set up a new scheme, called Appropriate Adult Scheme, which supports youngsters when they have been arrested.

Whenever a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany a youth at a police station, a volunteer steps in to fill their shoes.

Starting last October, the scheme, which is funded by the Youth Justice Board, has had a successful start but Mr Morse is calling for more people to come forward and cover the Melksham area.

He said: "The scheme has lots of support in Swindon and Salisbury, and al-though the numbers are good in Melksham, we could do with more.

"The volunteers take an active part in a youngster's stay in custody, acting as a voice for them, representing their welfare and making sure they are dealt with fairly.

"It is a very rewarding, challenging role. Young mums have been using it as a stepping-stone to get back into employment and retired people have offered their services as well.

"Volunteers can come from any walk of life but they must be aged over 18 and not in employment connected with the pol-ice."

Originally the scheme ran from 9am to 5pm Mon-day to Friday, but because of its success it now runs from 9am to 10pm seven days a week.

Funding for the project runs out next year, but Mr Morse expects to receive extra cash to ensure its continued growth. "Seven-teen similar pilot schemes have been set-up around the country," he said. "Volunteers have an informal interview and checks are made through the Criminal Records Bureau.

"If they get through they receive a half day training session and can then become an acting surrogate parent. They don't get paid but their ex-penses are covered and work on a rota basis."

Last Sept-ember, Mr Morse, a former police sergeant in Trowbridge and Melksham, retired from the force on medical grounds.

Now working from an office in Swindon, he would like to see the service expand into other areas. He said: "It has been received well.

"It frees up time for the youth offending team and social workers because we can accompany youths at the police station instead.

"I would like to see the scheme take in adults with learning disabilities as well.

"Youngsters seem to be more than happy with the scheme. Time and time again persistent offenders are asking for the same volunteers."

David Coop, head of Wiltshire Youth Offending Service, said: "Volunteers are making notable contributions to the work of the Wiltshire Youth Offending Team and the quality of their work is highly regarded.

"The Appropriate Adult Scheme is an opportunity for volunteers from Wiltshire communities to enhance the work of the Youth Offending Team."

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Mr Morse on (01793) 836660.