The Bradford branch of the Samaritans has been inundated with offers of help following an appeal for volunteers in the Telegraph & Argus.

The charity's 24-hour support service in the city was under threat after its 80 volunteers were unable to handle the volume of calls and many callers had to be diverted to other branches across West and South Yorkshire.

After the appeal 100 people came forward to offer their services.

Director Alistair Sharpe admitted: "You can never have too many volunteers."

The volunteers who have come forward will take part in an eight-week preparation course to get them ready for taking calls.

Christmas is always the busiest time of year for the Bradford Samaritans, who on average receive more than 500 calls a week. This figure rises by 20 per cent over the festive period.

Mr Sharpe said: "So many people are supposed to be on holiday with their family and friends and having a good time, but there can be a lot of financial stress, especially with young children.

"Isolation at Christmas amplifies and everyone else seems to be having a wonderful time and people feel low."

He added: "Even our stress levels increase over Christmas because we tend to be the only ones working.

"Other agencies do a fantastic job but they don't stay open."

The volunteers at Mornington Villas, Manningham, also speak to callers face to face from 11am to 11pm. Mr Sharpe said "In my ten years, if I've saved a life that's enough.

"People have the right of self-determination and we accept that - we'll stay with them on the phone for as long as they need.

"We're not here to emotionally blackmail, all we do is emotionally support and listen with empathy."

The Bradford Samaritans are still appealing for volunteers and would particularly welcome Urdu and Punjabi speakers.

Mr Sharpe said: "We're short of ethnic volunteers. We would like to get a group that reflects Bradford's diversity."

The Samaritans can be contacted at any time on (01274) 547547.