THE Salisbury branch of Samaritans is set to benefit from a £500 donation from St James’s Place Foundation.

Jonathan Gibbons, from St James’s Place Wealth Management, and his wife Maria presented the cheque to Salisbury Samaritans director Beverley de Cuevas and alumni co-ordinator Ann White on Thursday.

The charity is preparing to answer 15,000 calls a day from those struggling to cope over the festive period.

The Salisbury branch answered more than 32,000 calls for help last year and volunteers in the city and across the country will be on duty over the Christmas period.

Stephen Hoddell, chairman of Samaritans, said: “This time of year can be an incredibly difficult time and we want to let people know that Samaritans is here if things are getting to them. When many other services shut down for the holidays, our volunteers continue to be available, answering calls round the clock. Thank you to every single person who is spending Christmas volunteering - you are inspirational.”