SAMARITANS in Durham have teamed up with a book store to raise money for its work during the festive season.

From Saturday, volunteers from the Central Durham branch will be gift-wrapping books at Waterstones, Saddler Street, in return for donations.

A similar service will be offered at Waterstones in the MetroCentre, Gateshead, by members of the Samaritans' Newcastle branch.

Hand-made Christmas cards and the charity's motif badges will be on sale at both stores.

The Samaritans expect the number of calls to rise by about ten per cent over Christmas.

The charity is concerned at the big rise in calls from suicidal young men.

Nationally, the charity is running a year-long campaign, Youth Matters, aimed at young men at risk.

The central Durham branch is also working with a group of youngsters to raise awareness of the support it offers throughout the year.

Branch chairman Roger said: "The pressure to have a good time at Christmas can be intense. So feelings of isolation and despair can be even more acute.

"It is vital that we are here 24 hours a day to ensure everyone has someone to turn to in times of crisis.

"This is why this partnership with Waterstones is so important - both for making sure people know we are here for them, and raising money for our confidential emotional support service.

"Linking up with Waterstones in Durham and the MetroCentre is a fantastic opportunity for The Samaritans."