SUMMER depression and the pressures on school-leavers have produced an upsurge in calls to local Samaritans.

The Blackburn-based group is now appealing for new volunteers as it deals with one of its busiest periods of the year.

The helpline is manned 24 hours a day and volunteers are asked to make a commitment to offer three hours of their time each week.

Two informal meetings have been arranged for later this month to give people the chance to find out more about the Samaritans' work.

Blackburn Samaritans spokesman Jean said: "We have around 100 members and we are constantly appealing for people.

"The phones are manned by two people at a time and we need people to provide a commitment on a rota basis.

"We are after the right sort of person to do the job."

The informal get-togethers, in the group's centre at 105 New Park Street, will be held at 10.30am on Saturday, August 10 and at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 14.

They will be followed by a selection day for preparation classes which are due to start in September.

Anyone wanting more information about the Samaritans is asked to call Blackburn 662424.

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