THE York branch of the Samaritans is itself urgently in need of help - to cope with a big jump in calls to the line.

Calls from people in crisis to the York branch rose by 23 per cent in June compared to 1999.

More than 1,500 calls were taken in July and the figures for August are already 19 per cent higher than the same time last year.

And some of the increase has been attributed to stressed-out farmers in the crisis-ridden industry. Rob Simpson, of the York-based National Farmers' Union North-East region, said: "The ongoing farming crisis has inevitably led to an increase in the amount of stress-related problems in the farming community.

"The Samaritans have provided an invaluable service to farmers who know there are people to turn to, only a phone call away, who can listen and give support in times of crisis."

In February, the Evening Press reported how an NFU-commissioned report found that farmers were unable to sleep at night, were struggling with marital problems and one in ten had turned to anti-depressants.

The Samaritans has issued an appeal for more volunteer listeners, saying it is vital it has them ready to meet demands 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To attempt to attract more volunteers, the York branch of the Samaritans is opening the doors of its Nunnery Lane base on Saturday, September 9.

It will give an introduction to the Samaritans to encourage more people to put themselves forward as listening volunteers and dispel myths about the organisation.

After the introduction, there will be a selection afternoon which will give all prospective volunteers an opportunity to find out if the Samaritans is for them and they are for the Samaritans.

The introduction to the event will begin at 9.30am followed by an interval and the selection afternoon.

Many businesses in York and the surrounding area will be receiving a request to display posters in their staff rooms and canteens to promote this event.

For more details about attending, ring the York branch on 01904 655888.