THE Samaritans needs new volunteers to cope with rising demand for its caring service.

Calls to the charity are increasing annually and bosses fear they soon won't be able to cope.

Frances Simpson, Scottish development manager, said: "Our volunteer base is not growing in line with the number of people who are contacting us.

"Samaritans is entirely dependent on voluntary support. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for volunteers, it's as simple as that."

To address the shortfall in volunteers, the Samaritans will be at a voluntary sector fair The Gathering at the SECC in Glasgow.

The fair, at the exhibition centre until tomorrow, is the largest event of its kind in the UK and gives an opportunity for interested parties to find out what being a Samaritans volunteer involves.