BOLTON Samaritans was inundated with 500 calls over the Christmas and New Year season -- one of its busiest festive periods in years.

The charity revealed it received 30 calls from people expressing suicidal feelings from Christmas Eve through to New Year's Day night.

The town's Samaritans also handled calls from across the North-west from overwhelmed neighbouring offices.

Bereavement and loneliness were the main reasons why people got in touch.

Bolton Samaritans director Nanette Foster said: "New Year's Eve was extremely busy for us. People were contacting us all day. A lot of people who called had either lost a partner, or were experiencing debt or relationship problems.

"There is a lot more modern day pressures on people. Families are being put under increasing pressure all the time. Some people pretend to be cheery during Christmas time when in fact they are lonely and depressed."

Mrs Foster said the Bolton branch of the Samaritans, based at Bark Street, is understaffed with 100 volunteers needed to successfully run the helpline 24 hours a day.

Currently, there are 65 volunteers manning the office, with the branch unable to remain open day round the clock because of the shortage of volunteers.

Mrs Foster said: "Becoming a volunteer with the Samaritans is a very challenging but rewarding experience. People have to be non-judgemental and have the skill to be able to listen to people's problems. Volunteers are giving something back to the community. All volunteers go through a selection process and they are given full training."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for the Bolton Samaritans should contact Mrs Foster on 521200 for further details.

People can contact the Bolton Samaritans on 521200 or nationally on 0845 7909090 (the price of a local call).

Alternatively, they can send an e-mail to jo@samaritans.org or to samaritans@anon.twwells.com. Or visit them at 16 Bark Street East between 9.30am - 9.30pm -- but telephone first.