THE charity which helps distressed and lonely people is looking for volunteers with a sympathetic ear.

Bexley and Dartford Samaritans wants extra recruits to help it staff the telephones and answer emails from people who need to talk to someone in confidence.

Volunteers are expected to do one four-hour duty a week and one overnight shift every eight weeks, on a Tuesday or Friday night.

The duties are flexible to fit in with people's lives and volunteers will get seven weeks of training to help them.

Janet Kemp, director of the area's Samaritans, said: "We receive a wide range of contacts from people in differing degrees of emotional stress, including calls from people who are thinking of ending their lives. Our training prepares volunteers to take these calls."

On the importance of the overnight shift, she said: "Anyone who has ever been through a bad time will know it can be the worst time."

If you can help, call the inquiry line on 07761 604086.