ACTOR Paul Moriarty has launched a scheme to help disabled children.

The Brighton-based star, well known for his role as George Palmer in EastEnders, was at the Brighthelm Centre in North Road yesterday for the start of Link Plus.

Brighton and Hove Council has joined forces with Barnados for the first scheme of its kind in Sussex.

The £250,000 project will help youngsters with disabilities by helping them find full and part-time carers in the community.

Allan Bowman, council social services director, said: "Never before has an organisation the size of Barnados made such a big commitment to a Brighton and Hove project."

He said it would help improve the lives of many vulnerable children and would also offer relief to their families.

The link scheme gives families a break from looking after children who are disabled.

There is also a specialist fostering scheme in which people care for youngsters with severe learning difficulties and challenging behaviour.

Barnados project leader Gina Armstrong said: "We have launched a recruitment drive to find carers for the dozens of severely disabled young children who need support.

"The kind of people we are looking for could be single people or families who can spare a few hours a month to look after a young person."

Anyone prepared to offer children long or short-term care should call Gina on 01273 295179.

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