THE Samaritans of Exeter, mid and east Devon are one of the latest charities to benefit from Waitrose's Community Matters scheme.

Monika Bright, director of Exeter Samaritans, visited the Okehampton store to collect a cheque from Sonia Kelly, the store's Community Matters Champion.

Monika Bright said: 'At a time of stringent austerity, the amount raised is heartwarming.'

The charity is celebrating its 60th birthday this year, and the Exeter, mid and east Devon branch is celebrating its 50th anniversary, having held its first meeting on November 20, 1963. The first Exeter telephone went live in January 1964.

Dr Chad Varah, who lived for a time in Exeter, started the world's first 24-hour helpline after he had buried a 14-year-old girl who had taken her life. Dr Varah, then a young London curate, was so moved by the tragic circumstances surrounding the death he resolved to offer a 999-type helpline for the suicidal.

From a one-man, one telephone set-up the charity now has nearly 21,000 volunteers who answer more than five million calls a year.

People can call Samaritans to talk about job and family stresses, money troubles, feelings of loneliness, or any issue that is affecting them.

If you feel in need to help, call the branch helpline on 01392 411711 or 08457 909090.

You can continue to support the local causes of your choice at Waitrose by dropping your green token into the bucket of your choice.