An odd job scheme for the elderly is searching for new sponsors after confirmation that financial support from its main backer will end next year.

More than 400 people in the Bradford district have been helped by volunteers from the HandyPerson scheme since it was set up 12 months ago.

The project - part of a national HandyPerson network - has been backed locally by British Gas to the tune of £15,000, but the partnership between the two comes to an end in October 1999.

The scheme is not under threat of closure, but project co-ordinators at Bradford and district Age Concern are on the lookout for new sponsors to ensure local volunteers can build on the good work already carried out.

HandyPerson co-ordinator Brian Rhodes said: "The scheme got off the ground last year thanks to the financial backing of British Gas, and has continued to grow.

"Unfortunately the money from British Gas was for a limited period only, but at least we have some time to look for new funding.

"It would be great to get sponsorship from local companies and we are considering tabling a National Lottery application.

"The scheme has been such a success in Bradford - our 12 volunteers are dealing with around 40 requests a month. It would be a real shame not to expand it even further."

The project provides volunteers to do odd jobs around the home free of charge. Tasks include moving furniture, fitting locks, replacing tap washers, fitting grab-rails and even changing lightbulbs.

It was recently awarded a share of government cash handed out to health authorities to help cope with winter pressures. The £10,000 will pay for volunteers to carry out domestic jobs, allowing patients to return from hospital sooner - freeing up hospital beds and easing the workload of social services.

A spokesman for British Gas said the company is committed to working in partnership with Age Concern on other innovative schemes.

"We have been delighted with the success of the HandyPerson project. Age Concern always understood we would develop and support the scheme for a limited period,'' he added.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the scheme locally should contact Age Concern Bradford on (01274) 395144.

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