A LATE-night telephone service for students has been shortlisted for four awards.

Durham Nightline has offered a listening ear to the city’s university students every night of term time since 1973.

Run by students for students, it offers a confidential and anonymous listening service, as well as supplying useful information such as taxi numbers and directions to other services.

This weekend, Durham University is to host the national Nightline Association conference and awards night (SAT), with its own volunteer-run service in line for four awards.

Durham Nightline has been shortlisted in the categories of Most Supportive Nightline, Most Improved Nightline, the Nightline with the Most Supportive University and Nightline of the Year.

Second year psychology student Anna Cecilia Foxall, director of Durham Nightline, said: "The conference presents an excellent opportunity for student volunteers to network and learn from each other.

"Since our opening in 1973, we have been open every single night of term, and we are incredibly proud that our efforts have been recognised in the Nightline annual awards shortlist."

Professor Graham Towl, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Warden, said: "Pastoral support for all students is at the heart of Durham University’s community and Nightline is a very effective and accessible service for students who need someone to talk to."