A group of painting and decorating diploma students have refurbished a charity shop.

Eight teenagers, who are studying for their level 1 diplomas at Bradford College, have spent teaching time, as well as their own, putting their newly-acquired skills to practice to re-decorate the sorting basement at the Samaritans store in Westgate, Shipley.

Shipley MP Philip Davies was presenting the students with certificates at the Bradford branch based in Mornington Villas today to thank them for their work.

The celebration is part of the Samaritans’ national 24:7 awareness and fundraising day which reminds the public that volunteers are always just a telephone call away for people in distress.

The Bradford branch is training 11 new recruits to join its team after an appeal for volunteers was highlighted in the Telegraph & Argus.

New volunteer Kath, a shop assistant and mother-of-three whose surname cannot be disclosed, said: “The training process has been brilliant. There’s been some difficult bits but the support has been second to none.

“I had lots of doubts that I would be able to do it but now I’m really glad I did it.”

Branch director Bill Roach wants to hear from more people interested in becoming volunteers. They do not give advice but listen to people and talk about their concerns.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the shop or as a call taker can call (01274) 547547.

To speak to the Samaritans in confidence about any issue, call 08457 909090.