THE new director of Newport and Gwent Samaritans is tackling a volunteer shortage as his first priority.

Roger Williams, 67, a retired tutor, has started the three-year position, running the Samaritans office in Stow Hill.

The branch handles around 25,000 calls a year, but is currently about 15 volunteers short of its optimum.

Mr Williams, of Redland Street, Malpas, said: "We still maintain a full 24- hour service but we need to get new recruits. We're short of volunteers. We've got 56, and ideally that should be over 70."

Mr Williams, a retired creative writing and English teacher at Oakdale College, will lead a recruitment stand at the Allt-Yr-Yn campus of University of Wales, Newport.

He said: "I joined about five years ago because I care about people. I can talk to people in despair and show them that there's light at the end of the tunnel. I am delighted with my appointment and see my role as a challenge.

"We will soon be marking the 50th anniversary of the charity in Britain, and I am keen to use that as the springboard in raising the profile of the organisation."

A volunteer would have to offer a single four-hour shift every week. Over a month, three of those would be day shifts and one would be at night.

The Samaritans offer a confidential emotional support service for those with feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.

Ring 01633 259 000. The Samaritans are fundraising in John Frost Square on October 9.