A NORTH-EAST branch of The Samaritans is holding an open day to give support to people affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

An outreach day will be held at Whitham Hall, Barnard Castle, County Durham, tomorrow, from 10am to 2pm.

A spokesman said: "With the foot-and-mouth crisis still very much in the forefront of everyone's minds in rural areas, with not only farmers but businesses affected, Darlington Samaritans is holding a rural outreach day to give support to those in need."

Last year the branch took more than 19,000 calls and this year it is highlighting its work National Samaritans Week, from May 19 to 26.

The branch is also holding a flag day in Darlington's Cornmill Shopping Centre on Saturday, and holding an open day at its centre in Woodland Road, Darlington, on May 25.

The centre can be contacted by prospective volunteers or those in need on (01325) 465465.

Read more about Foot-and-Mouth here.