DURHAM Samaritans are appealing for volunteers so they can bring their service back up to full strength.

The charity is having to close its local lines at times - a national line is always available - because it has not got enough volunteers to answer calls.

The Durham branch hopes a recruitment drive will enable it to provide a full 24-hour service.

The charity is 50 years old and the Durham branch, which has about 65 active volunteers, was formed 35 years ago.

Branch director Beryl - Samaritans do not use their surnames - said: "At the moment, we are having to close a couple of night-time sessions and some day sessions because we don't have enough volunteers.

"We have about 73 members but not all of them are active at the moment. We have about 65 active volunteers. It would be wonderful if we could get 120."

Beryl said the charity had a regular turnover of active volunteers because of changes in work or family circumstances and "burn out".

She said being a listener could be a rewarding experience, "feeling that you have been there for someone and been able to help them."

The branch deals with thousands of calls a year over a wide range of problems and also trains listeners at Low Newton Prison and at Stanley Day Centre.

Beryl said the branch was looking for people who were good at listening, non-judgemental, could empathise with people in distress and could keep things in confidence.

The branch, in Sutton Street, gives training to its volunteers before they start manning the phones.

For further information about becoming a volunteer, call 0191-384 2727 or 08457 909090.