CORONATION Street star Peter Gunn is promoting the sales of soap to help save young lives from suicide.

Peter, who is married to Blackburn councillor Julie Gunn, is supporting national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide in their campaign 'Spread Hope With Soap' along with other members of the soap's cast.

Special handcrafted soaps are helping to raise money and spread awareness of the help which is available to young people having thoughts of suicide.

The actor, who plays Brian Packham, helped to arrange delivery of the soaps to the Coronation Street set at Media City in Salford, where he explained the charity’s fundraising idea to his fellow soap stars.

He said: "When I told them what the PAPYRUS soaps were all about there was absolutely no hesitation, they just stopped in their tracks and said of course they’d be really happy to help.

"Spread Hope With Soap is aimed at young people and right now we know that more and more are suffering, so it’s really important they know what help is available."

Corrie favourites David Neilson who plays Roy Cropper, Ian Bartholomew who plays Geoff Metcalfe and Mark Frost who plays Ray Crosby are also pledging their support.

Jane Hazlegrove who plays Bernie Winter, Ryan Russell who plays Michael Bailey and Dolly-Rose Campbell who plays Gemma Winter are also among the stars supporting the cause.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK and money raised allows PAPYRUS to provide the training it offers, assist engaging with local communities and support its volunteers.

The chief executive of Warrington-based PAPYRUS, Ged Flynn, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to the cast of Coronation Street for taking time during their filming breaks to support the vital suicide prevention work we do.

“Sadly, suicide isn’t a fictional work of drama, it is a tragic and unnecessary part of real life which is being played out every day and we all have a role in helping to prevent it.

“Young people who are struggling with life, and their terrified families and friends, need to know they are not alone and that we are here for them.”

The Soap Sisters, a family-run business set up by mother and daughter Helen Pritchett and Georgia Pattison, have worked with PAPYRUS to create two handmade designs in the colours of the charity’s logo.

Helen said: “The partnership is very important to us and we are so excited for customers to be able to unwind with a bar of soap while supporting the fabulous work PAPYRUS does."

PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

The charity’s confidential helpline service HOPELINEUK provides practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide.

The soaps can be ordered at www.thesoapsisters.co.uk and £1.50 from each bar will be donated to PAPYRUS.