MORE than a dozen people turned up at the Preston Samaritans open evening to find out more about becoming a volunteer.

The group gave a presentation on December 1 as part of its recruitment drive to cover weekend and weekday morning shifts.

The Preston and District branch, based on St Wilfrid Street in the town centre, handled around 30,000 calls in 1996, but the number increases each year.

Volunteers have to fill in an application form and undergo a strict selection process and thorough training.

People are also needed to staff the charity shop in Lane Ends, Blackpool Road and help with fund-raising. Telephone 01772 822022 for details or if you need to talk to somebody.

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