SIR — May I take up a few inches of your columns to thank everyone in West Somerset who has supported their local branch of Samaritans?

Last weekend, I ended my three-year term of office as branch Director, which gives me the opportunity to say thank-you on behalf of all our volunteers, many of whom live or work in West Somerset.

Many companies and individuals have been very generous in helping our funds - we have to find £32,000 a year to run the branch and we have no Government help - but there have also been numerous acts of kindness, encouraging comments and other shows of support when Samaritans have been out and about in the community.

I cannot really let this opportunity pass, either, without reiterating that Samaritans are there 24/7 for anyone who is in distress, whether they are fed up or considering ending their lives. Just phone 01823 288998 or 08457 90 90 90. We could also always do with more volunteers!

Samaritans' system is that every Director steps down after three years, whether they like it or not! That way, there is a constant refreshing of the branch as another volunteer comes along with new ideas and, at the start anyway, more energy to drive those ideas through. Directors' first priority is handling calls; they just have other work on top.

So on Friday June 3rd we had a very happy party (which we paid for ourselves) to send me on my way (although I remain a Samaritan) - and to welcome our new Director, Phil. Like me, Phil knows and appreciates that your readers in West Somerset support Samaritans in whichever way they can.

Fiona,

ex-Director,

Taunton and Somerset Samaritans,

16 Wood Street,

Taunton,