A CHARITY that provides a listening ear for desperate and suicidal people is working on a scheme to help youngsters.

The Samaritans is concerned at the rising number of young people who ring its volunteers.

Now the charity's Mid-Durham branch, based in Durham City, is working with local youngsters to see what services they would like to see it provide.

But the branch, which has recently opened a third telephone line to deal with the rising number of calls generally, needs more people to help with its work.

It is holding an introductory evening on Monday, at 7pm, when people can find out more about the Samaritans and what being a volunteer entails.

Branch chairman Roger said: "We are trying to build the strength of the branch up and we are actively looking for volunteers for our preparation classes in August.

"We have a group of young people working with us and we are looking to a provide a service for them - we'll launch that later in the year - and therefore we will need more adult volunteers to support the young people.

"It is designed by young people for young people and is supported by us.

"We could do with between eight to ten people joining us as volunteers."

The introductory evening will be held at Samaritan House, Sutton Street, Durham. For further details call 0191-384 2727.