AN organisation which offers a lifeline to people in their darkest moments is holding an open evening to recruit more volunteers.

The Samaritans branch for Central Durham is hoping to recruit volunteers to staff its phone lines which are open 24 hours a day.

The organisation says it is receiving an increasing number of calls from people feeling low or isolated and needs volunteers over the age of 18 from all walks of life to help.

Every volunteer must go through careful selection and preparation and training and be prepared to do at least one three-hour duty a week, including eight six-hour nightshifts a year.

Samaritans is holding an open recruitment evening on Monday, May 16 from 7pm to 9pm at its branch at 26 Sutton Street, Durham, DH1 4BW.

Anyone who needs to ring Samaritans can do so on Freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org