PEOPLE have been reassured by North-East Samaritans that help is at hand for anyone feeling blue this Christmas.

Members from Darlington and District Samaritans took to the streets of Darlington to remind shoppers who are feeling the pressure this Christmas that they do not have to cope on their own.

Volunteer Andy Bosomworth donned on a blue Father Christmas costume as he and his colleagues handed out information on the charity’s services in High Row.

“It can affect anyone of all ages, from ten to 90-years-old. We are there to listen 24 hours a day, even on Christmas day,” he said.

Their campaign comes as almost half of men who responded to a survey by the charity said they felt more worried at Christmas than other times of the year.

With men in the UK three times more likely than women to take their own lives, the charity is encouraging them to seek help and consider calling Samaritans if they are feeling the pressure over the festive period.

Last year, Samaritans received around 244,000 calls during the Christmas period from people in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Their 201 branches are open around the clock over the festive period for anyone who needs to talk.

Darlington Samaritans can be contacted on 01325-465465.

The national helpline is 08457-90-90-90.

For more information visit Samaritans.org or email jo@samaritans.org