COUNCIL leaders and health bosses in Blackburn with Darwen are on an unlikely mission to find local people who enjoy reading their official documents.

The Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's social services department are getting together to crack down on 'gobbledegook' in their official literature and want local people to help them in the mammoth task.

They want to find people who could sit and read through draft versions of information leaflets, documents and packs, to check whether they are easy to understand.

And if they find sections which don't make sense, or could be expressed more simply, they will be able to suggest changes.

The scheme has been put together by joint organisers Vanessa Hollings from the PCT and Lynda Henderson, customer care and communications manager for social services.

Vanessa said: "We are drawing up a register of volunteers willing to read our draft leaflets and policies.

"From time to time, reading group members would be invited along to informal gatherings to get to know each other but otherwise they would read on their own in the comfort of their homes at a time and pace which suits them."

Vanessa and Lynda are particularly keen to hear from disabled people and mums with young children, who may have time at home.

If you would be interested in joining the reading group, contact Vanessa on 01254 267000 or Lynda on 01254 587800.