A SAMARITANS group which has expanded to help prisoners, youngsters and the disabled, is appealing for more volunteers.

Anyone interested in becoming a listener with the Central Durham branch of the charity can find out more at an introductory session on Sunday.

The Durham-based branch, which currently has 120 active volunteers, has expanded to three phone lines in recent years to cope with a workload that is increasing 20 per cent annually.

The branch now answers e-mails from suicidal and desperate people.

It also trains prisoners to act as listeners in Durham and Low Newton jails and supports a group of listeners for the disabled who meet at the Abbey Day Centre in Durham.

A special phone line for young people, manned by volunteers aged 16 to 21, was set up at the start of the year and has gone from operating on one evening a week to four. Branch director Roger said: "The number of volunteers has increased by about 40 per cent in the last few years.

"But we could still do with more - we need about another 20 to help sustain our work.

"We would want any volunteers to be involved in our core activity, being on the end of a telephone, but they could get involved in our other activities such as the prison scheme or helping people with disabilities.''

He added: "We want to be available at all times for those who are distressed and in despair and we believe that listening in confidence can alleviate feelings that may lead to suicide.''

Sunday's introductory session will start at 2pm at Samaritan House, 26 Sutton Street, Durham.

Training for new recruits will be provided. For more details about the branch's work call (0191) 384 2727.