THERE will be more listening ears in Bolton to help people through their problems thanks to a £10,000 charity fund grant.

The Lloyds TSB Foundation has given the cash to the Victoria Hall Methodist Mission towards the running of the Simeon Centre counselling service, which provides local people with the opportunity to talk through their feelings.

The scheme originally ran as a pilot project one morning a week but became so popular that the grant will allow it to open daily from 9am to 1pm.

Issues covered in the counselling sessions can range from bereavement to stress and relationship problems. "We are delighted to have received this grant which will enable us to expand our service and continue to offer counselling to people in and around Bolton," said co-ordinator Pam Marshall.

Appointments are available to anyone over 16 by calling the Simeon Centre on 01204 522569.