NEW Year - especially this Millennium Eve tomorrow - will mean enjoyment and fun reaching fever pitch for millions of people.

Sadly, for others it will be a time of mental anguish, acute loneliness and, possibly, even a time when they contemplate suicide.

Consequently, Bolton's excellent Samaritans' members expect to be busier than usual.

While we are all, no doubt, planning individual celebrations, perhaps we can also spare a thought for someone we know who may be alone and vulnerable at this time. Sometimes, even a friendly 'phone call can dilute an extreme situation - as the Samaritans well know.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.