A NORTH Wales group is on the hunt for volunteers as it marks a major milestone.

The Rhyl and North East Wales Samaritans are calling out for new volunteers as they celebrate their 45th birthday.

Volunteers are hoping to engage with new and potential recruits in order to continue helping as many people as possible across the region.

Samaritans have nine branches in Wales that manage their emotional support service, which reach out to local communities and support those who are struggling to cope round the clock, every day of the year.

The demand for the Samaritans service is ever increasing - last year they took a call every three minutes in Wales.

Rhyl director Judy Peachey said: "Volunteers are the heart of Samaritans.

"We welcome and value every volunteer, from all walks of life.

"Whatever your interests, experience or skills, we have a role for you.

"You can make an amazing difference at Samaritans.

"We currently have over 20,000 volunteers giving up a few hours of their time every week to help support people around the UK find their way through whatever is troubling them.

"It is vital we maintain our volunteer base in Rhyl, please get in touch with us to find out more!"

Benefits of becoming a volunteer include changing people's lives, contributing and sharing existing skills, developing new listening and communication skills that can be used in all aspects of your life, meeting new people from different backgrounds and cultures, and giving something back to the local community.

Anybody interested in volunteering can call 02922 406305, or e-mail volunteering.wales@samaritans.org