ARE you football mad? Do you love computer games and have a great sense of humour?

If so, you could be the perfect pal for 20-year-old Tom.

The AFC Bournemouth fanatic, who lives in Parkstone, was born with his heart upside down and inside out and needs help with certain day-to-day tasks.

But, more importantly, he needs a friend roughly his own age who can accompany him to football games, take him swimming and to the pub and just have a laugh with him.

Tom, who has undergone three operations on his heart, is often accompanied by his mum, but wants to give her a break and socialise more with people his own age.

Anyone applying for the job, which is a paid position, does not need formal qualifications - they will be taught how to lift Tom correctly in and out of his wheelchair, help him get changed and go to the toilet.

They will also need business insurance on their car, which may be difficult for those under the age of 25.

But two attributes that are absolutely necessary are a sense of humour and a love of sport.

"I like going bowling, to football, to the cinema, swimming and all that kind of stuff," explained Tom.

"I go swimming twice a week and I play football on Thursday evenings at Poole Physically Challenged Football Club. I normally play midfield and defender but I can play wherever.

"I would need to be accompanied to these activities."

Tom, who is also a Manchester United fan, has a season ticket for home games at Bournemouth, and wants his new friend to accompany him there.

He added: "I am looking for a helper who is reliable, trustworthy and with a friendly manner.

"You will need good communication and listening skills due to my speech but as you get to know me, my speech becomes easier to understand.

"The job involves assistance with a variety of tasks. Like most people, my day varies so it is difficult to list every task that is expected of a helper, but you do need to be flexible as I may change my mind in what we are going to do."

Tom is looking for assistance for 14 flexible hours a week, following a social services needs assessment, but would be happy with two or more people sharing the hours.

He is currently being helped in his search by Pro Disability, a support organisation that provides support to social services clients in Poole who wish to receive a direct payment instead of having a service provided for them.

"There is a lot to do in the community and Tom wants to open up his horizons. Hopefully someone will want to help him achieve his ambition," explained Kelvin Trevett, a Pro Disability direct payment support officer.

"His need is to get out and about. Whoever applies for this job has to be full of life, energetic and they've got to have patience.

"You could be an experienced carer or inexperienced - it's about whether they get on well with Tom.

"They will be CRB checked, but they don't need to have any formal qualification. Even though it's somebody working for him, Tom wants a pal."

l Anyone interested in applying for the position, which pays £7.10 an hour basic and £8 enhanced (on Sundays) should call Kelvin Trevett on 01202 723301 or email kelvin.trevett@prodisability.org.uk and ask for a job description and application form, reference KMT/TW.