THE Samaritans in Darlington are hoping people will help them raise money for their 24-hour service.

With annual running costs of more than £16,000, the voluntary organisation relies heavily on fundraising initiatives and donations from people in the district.

Calls to The Samaritans have risen by an estimated 4,000 in the past 12 months, and volunteers helped about 27,000 people with their problems last year.

Isabel Robinson, deputy director for publicity and fundraising, said: "We need people in Darlington to support us so that we can go on supporting the many people who call us each day."

The organisation will be holding a ceilidh, at Darlington Arts Centre, on Saturday, January 31, from 8pm until 11pm.

Tickets cost £6, to include a pie and peas supper.

Next month, The Samaritans are hoping to raise money with a quiz night, which will be held at St Mary's Club, off Skinnergate, in Darlington.

The quiz will take place on Saturday, February 14. Admission costs £2 and will include supper.

For more information about either event, or to find out about how to become a volunteer, call (01325) 465465.