A LONG established county group that helps families under stress has set up an office in Leominster.

Hereford-based Home-Start, whose volunteers help families with children under five, is expanding its role to include the Leominster and Kington areas.

The move follows a Government funding boost through the local Sure Start initiative.

Home Start's new office at 5 Broad Street, Leominster (telephone 01568 613000) will be run by co-ordinator Liz Speyer who is building up a team of volunteers.

She said families who needed help included the lonely and isolated, those with large numbers of children, homes where there was ill health or disability, single parents and mums suffering from post-natal depression.

Said Liz: "Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life with under fives.

"Home Start offers support and a breathing space."

She said any local family with at least one child under five which was experiencing difficulties could ask for help.